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 Though not as big or catastrophic as the asteroid theorized to have wiped out the dinosaurs 66 million years ago, Apophis would cause widespread destruction up to several hundred kilometers from its impact site. Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 16 Aug. 2024 As for why the opposite might be true, some experts have theorized that cannabis use may increase the risk of head and neck cancers in the same way that smoking tobacco does. Maggie O'Neill, Health, 14 Aug. 2024 Experts in audio engineering and acoustics theorize about how the sound could have traveled so far. Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2024 People began to theorize that Lively and Reynolds seized creative control of the film from Baldoni, which led to the rift — although, that wouldn’t exactly explain why the rest of the cast has seemingly distanced themselves from him. Kyndall Cunningham, Vox, 9 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for theorize 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'theorize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1638, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of theorize was in 1638

Dictionary Entries Near theorize

Cite this Entry

“Theorize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theorize. Accessed 16 Sep. 2024.

Kids Definition

theorize

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