Synonyms of hypothesis

hypothesis

noun

hī-ˈpä-thə-səs 

as in theory

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• theory
• thesis
• proposition
• premise
• assumption
• suggestion
• guess
• supposition
• impression
• proposal
• inference
• theorem
• hunch
• conjecture
• suspicion
• speculation
• presumption
• notion
• generalization
• concept
• presupposition
• premiss
• surmise
• concession
• construct
• conception
• guesswork
• abstraction
• feeling
• proffer
• inkling

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• fact
• knowledge
• assurance
• certainty

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun hypothesis differ from other similar words?

The words law and theory are common synonyms of hypothesis. While all three words mean "a formula derived by inference from scientific data that explains a principle operating in nature," hypothesis implies insufficient evidence to provide more than a tentative explanation.

a hypothesis explaining the extinction of the dinosaurs

When can law be used instead of hypothesis?

The synonyms law and hypothesis are sometimes interchangeable, but law implies a statement of order and relation in nature that has been found to be invariable under the same conditions.

the law of gravitation

In what contexts can theory take the place of hypothesis?

The words theory and hypothesis can be used in similar contexts, but theory implies a greater range of evidence and greater likelihood of truth.

the theory of evolution

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of hypothesis

However, data was not conclusive and the sub-committee recommended further research of this hypothesis. —Jen Murphy, Outside Online, 2 Apr. 2025

Dongju Zhang, an archaeologist and professor at China’s Lanzhou University who wasn’t involved in the study, said both hypotheses were plausible, if speculative. —Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 1 Apr. 2025

Part of our hypothesis is that entrepreneurs in adaptation may not even think of themselves as having an adaptation focus. —Jamil Wyne, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025

However, additional analyses of data from the Women’s Health Initiative along with results from further studies pointed researchers to a theory called the timing hypothesis, which suggests that the risks and benefits of hormone therapy depend on when treatment begins. —Matthew Nudy, The Conversation, 4 Apr. 2025