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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While historians long theorized that foul play may have played a role in the death of the ruler, more recent DNA analysis suggests that Tutankhamen likely died from a combination of malaria and a bone disorder, per Live Science. Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 2 Nov. 2025 The key to Thursday’s bloom, Underwood theorized, perhaps came as students shrouded the flower in black to allow its circadian rhythm to naturally appear. Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 31 Oct. 2025 The idea traces back to 2018, when former Stanford PhD student William Gent theorized that iron could be pushed to higher oxidation states if neighboring atoms were carefully spaced apart. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2025 Rather, his office theorized that the crime could have been a New York tax violation, a federal campaign finance violation, or a New York election law violation. Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 28 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 4 Nov. 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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