theorize

verb

the·​o·​rize ˈthē-ə-ˌrīz 

ˈthir-ˌīz

theorized; theorizing

intransitive verb

: to form a theory : speculate

transitive verb

1

: to form a theory about

2

: to propose as a theory

theorization

ˌthē-ə-rə-ˈzā-shən 

ˌthir-ə-

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

The end result would be a gassy surface shining as brightly as a more exposed black hole but with the Balmer break and smooth red hump of a 5,000-kelvin star, de Graaff and Naidu theorized. — Quanta Magazine, 14 Sep. 2026

Almost a hundred years ago, physicists theorized out what free fall should do to a quantum wave. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2026

Instead, the researchers theorize that the two stars were born in individual clouds of gas and dust, before a chance encounter brought the two infant stars and their respective natal cocoons together. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 9 Sep. 2026

While it was theorized that a similar wave may be present over the south pole, the decagon seems to have formed more recently. — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 2 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1644, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for theorize

• advise
• applies
• apprise
• arise
• assize
• baptize
• belies
• bitwise
• capsize
• chastise
• chordwise
• clockwise

Kids Definition

theorize

verb

the·​o·​rize ˈthē-ə-ˌrīz 

theorized; theorizing

: to form a theory : speculate

theorizer noun