as in theories
an idea that is the starting point for making a case or conducting an investigation
working on the hypothesis that teenagers function better in the late morning, some high schools are starting classes later
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Recent Examples of hypotheses
There are three primary hypotheses for how birds might sense Earth’s geomagnetic field.
—
ArsTechnica, 28 May 2026
If more evidence shows GLP-1 drugs are found to reduce the chance of cancer progressing, the researchers also want to figure out why and have many possible hypotheses at the moment, including the drug changing the immune system, acting directly on tumor cells and reducing inflammation.
—Victoria Forster, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026
Older children might like setting up an experiment by altering the balance of something essential, like water, for different plants and making hypotheses about what the right balance is.
—Jamie Siebrase, Denver Post, 20 May 2026
As a result, mathematical truths do not make up a unified whole of equally indubitable truths; instead, their status as knowledge varies gradually from doubtless facts to increasingly uncertain hypotheses.
—Quanta Magazine, 18 May 2026
The humans would explore — surfacing hypotheses, chasing hunches, venturing into territory the data didn’t obviously support.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 16 May 2026
Science requires lots of decisions—researchers must choose which hypotheses to pursue and which simulations to run.
—Peter Hall, Scientific American, 8 May 2026
Childhood is a long series of experiments—testing out hypotheses and making adjustments.
—Mac Barnett, Longreads, 5 May 2026
Present hypotheses, actions and experiments.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
ArsTechnica, 28 May 2026
If more evidence shows GLP-1 drugs are found to reduce the chance of cancer progressing, the researchers also want to figure out why and have many possible hypotheses at the moment, including the drug changing the immune system, acting directly on tumor cells and reducing inflammation.
—Victoria Forster, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026
Older children might like setting up an experiment by altering the balance of something essential, like water, for different plants and making hypotheses about what the right balance is.
—Jamie Siebrase, Denver Post, 20 May 2026
As a result, mathematical truths do not make up a unified whole of equally indubitable truths; instead, their status as knowledge varies gradually from doubtless facts to increasingly uncertain hypotheses.
—Quanta Magazine, 18 May 2026
The humans would explore — surfacing hypotheses, chasing hunches, venturing into territory the data didn’t obviously support.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 16 May 2026
Science requires lots of decisions—researchers must choose which hypotheses to pursue and which simulations to run.
—Peter Hall, Scientific American, 8 May 2026
Childhood is a long series of experiments—testing out hypotheses and making adjustments.
—Mac Barnett, Longreads, 5 May 2026
Present hypotheses, actions and experiments.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hypotheses
Noun
-
There are a lot of theories about Machado’s struggles.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 May 2026
-
Both theories are plausible, Cooper agreed.—
Sneha Dhandapani,
CNN Money,
30 May 2026
Noun
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In a letter addressed to the Meadowbrook Master Board and obtained by the Johnson County Post, the owners explain that a notable, unnamed organization would be staying on the premises and using the restaurant spaces.—
Jenna Thompson
June 2,
Kansas City Star,
2 June 2026
-
Although there was talk that the dinner would resume, Jiang appeared on stage about an hour later and said that it would be rescheduled, after law enforcement recommended that guests leave the premises.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
2 June 2026
Noun
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But Kelly argues that the forecast was built on assumptions that have already been overtaken by events — the CBO assumed tariff revenue would run at $403 billion annually and that the tax breaks in the One Big Beautiful Budget Act would expire on schedule.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
28 May 2026
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The future-proof leader is the person disciplined enough to question their own assumptions, recognize when familiar frameworks no longer serve the moment, and understand that leadership is strengthened, not diminished, by remaining open to growth.—
Mary Hemphill,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hypotheses.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hypotheses. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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