hypothesize

verb

hy·​poth·​e·​size hī-ˈpä-thə-ˌsīz 

hypothesized; hypothesizing

intransitive verb

: to make a hypothesis

transitive verb

: to adopt as a hypothesis

Synonyms of hypothesize

• say
• assume
• presume
• believe
• think

Examples of hypothesize in a Sentence

Psychologists hypothesized that his odd behavior was caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain.

if we hypothesize that current population trends continue for the next 50 years

Recent Examples on the Web

Dozier hypothesized that rapidly dividing cells have a scent that dogs can smell. — Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 11 Aug. 2026

The researchers hypothesized that routinely building cognitive maps exercises the very circuitry that Alzheimer’s attacks first. — Hatim Sharif, The Conversation, 6 Aug. 2026

Fabing hypothesized that schizophrenia might arise from the abnormal production of bufotenine in the brain, possibly instead of serotonin. — Kimon De Greef, Longreads, 4 Aug. 2026

But doctors have hypothesized a series of events that leads to the disintegration. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 31 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1738, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Rhymes for hypothesize

• actualize
• antagonize
• apologise
• apologize
• capitalize
• categorize
• characterize
• commercialize
• conceptualize
• contrariwise
• criminalize
• decentralize

Kids Definition

hypothesize

verb

hy·​poth·​e·​size hī-ˈpäth-ə-ˌsīz 

hypothesized; hypothesizing

1

: to make a hypothesis

2

: to adopt as a hypothesis