hypothesize

verb

hy·​poth·​e·​size hī-ˈpä-thə-ˌsīz How to pronounce hypothesize (audio)
hypothesized; hypothesizing
Synonyms of hypothesizenext

transitive verb

: to adopt as a hypothesis

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Higgs was first hypothesized in the 1960s. Mariangela Lisanti, Twin Cities, 27 Mar. 2026 Some researchers hypothesize this could precipitate heart attacks in those already predisposed to having them due to clogged arteries. Brad Stulberg, Outside, 26 Mar. 2026 Even before the discovery of locus coeruleus’s link to Alzheimer’s disease, researchers hypothesized that vagus nerve stimulation might help mood and thinking in people with the condition. Elizabeth Riley, The Conversation, 26 Mar. 2026 No matter the cause—diabetes, high blood pressure, glomerulonephritis, autoimmune conditions, or something else—all kidney disease progresses over time, so scientists hypothesized that there must be common underlying processes. Tara Haelle, Scientific American, 17 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hypothesize

Word History

First Known Use

1738, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of hypothesize was in 1738

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Cite this Entry

“Hypothesize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hypothesize. Accessed 30 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

hypothesize

verb
hy·​poth·​e·​size hī-ˈpäth-ə-ˌsīz How to pronounce hypothesize (audio)
hypothesized; hypothesizing
1
: to make a hypothesis
2
: to adopt as a hypothesis
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