hypothesize

verb

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

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.
Some hypothesize that pure greed is a motivation, with policy makers having stake in, or constituents who are part of these industries. Suwanna Gauntlett Upjohn, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025 Researchers hypothesize that Earhart did not crash at sea, but instead landed and was stranded on Nikumaroro Island, later perishing there. Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2025 The researchers hypothesize that the discs were attached to the wooden coffin, and the rings were used to lower it into the grave. Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 July 2025 Some hypothesize that dense material in the accretion disk may periodically clash and create shocks that produce fresh bursts of radiation. Thomas Westerholm, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025 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 9 Jul. 2025.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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