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
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Other rockers are starting to notice this positive trend, and theorize about why the kids are connecting so hard with bands who aren’t remotely humanized. Mackenzie Cummings-Grady, Billboard, 14 Oct. 2025 Potawatomi philosopher Kyle Whyte theorizes settler colonialism as a form of environmental injustice. JSTOR Daily, 11 Oct. 2025 During this period, Reines and a Los Alamos co-worker, Clyde Cowan, started to work on detecting neutrinos, a subatomic particle that had been theorized in the 1930s but, in the mid-1950s, had not been proven to exist. Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 10 Oct. 2025 Fans have already theorized that several tracks on the new album are about Swift's now fiancé, Travis Kelce. Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 3 Oct. 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 21 Oct. 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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