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

Like with kiwis, some experts hypothesize that something beyond just fiber helps prunes act on constipation. — Sarah Klein, Time, 10 July 2026

This skewing has been hypothesized as a contributor to the variability in symptoms of Marfan in families with the same mutation. — Roxanne Khamsi, The Atlantic, 7 July 2026

Burdach did not hypothesize much about the role of these two brain-almonds that make up the amygdala. — Angelica Calabrese, Longreads, 7 July 2026

That’s why some people are hypothesizing that vitamin D can slow aging. — Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 28 June 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