theorize

verb

the·​o·​rize ˈthē-ə-ˌrīz How to pronounce theorize (audio)
ˈthir-ˌīz
theorized; theorizing

transitive verb

1
: to form a theory about
2
: to propose as a theory
theorization noun
theorizer noun

Examples of theorize in a Sentence

Many scientists have theorized about the possibility of life on other planets.
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.
This was theorized via the iVision Circular concept, but is being realized with the new BMW iX3. James Morris, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025 Ever since Starz revealed in a trailer that Julia and Henry would be able to time travel like their daughter, Outlander fans have been theorizing about how Claire’s parents would inevitably intersect with Jamie’s parents. Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2025 When a fitness influencer, Blake Sanburg, theorized that the 37-year-old rapper had either received an etching or had taken steroids, Big Sean replied directly in the comments and denied the claims. Charna Flam, People.com, 3 Sep. 2025 Some biologists theorize that early human fetuses’ heads risked growing too large to pass through the pelvis; others believe that gestating brains required too much energy for a pregnant woman to sustain them through self-sufficiency. Elissa Strauss, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for theorize

Word History

First Known Use

1644, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of theorize was in 1644

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Cite this Entry

“Theorize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theorize. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

theorize

verb
the·​o·​rize ˈthē-ə-ˌrīz How to pronounce theorize (audio)
theorized; theorizing
: to form a theory : speculate
theorizer noun

More from Merriam-Webster on theorize

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