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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of hypothesis
However, factoring in the consumption of baryons in the form of dead star matter and their conversion to dark energy in the CCBH hypothesis eliminates this non-physical mass headache.
—
Robert Lea, Space.com, 24 Aug. 2025
And so, saying that lying and cheating by signalers is expected, is not a remote or difficult hypothesis, right?
—Quanta Magazine, 21 Aug. 2025
The scaling hypothesis—the belief that bigger models will produce more intelligent outputs—seems to rest on the dubious belief that a system that has been fed enough information about the world will not have to deal with fuzziness.
—Meghan O’Gieblyn, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025
One thing the different hypotheses tend to have in common is an emphasis on the cooling effects of rainfall.
—Chris Mooney, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hypothesis
Robert Lea, Space.com, 24 Aug. 2025
And so, saying that lying and cheating by signalers is expected, is not a remote or difficult hypothesis, right?
—Quanta Magazine, 21 Aug. 2025
The scaling hypothesis—the belief that bigger models will produce more intelligent outputs—seems to rest on the dubious belief that a system that has been fed enough information about the world will not have to deal with fuzziness.
—Meghan O’Gieblyn, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025
One thing the different hypotheses tend to have in common is an emphasis on the cooling effects of rainfall.
—Chris Mooney, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hypothesis
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hypothesis
Noun
-
But experts have a few theories about how these dietary habits might influence osteoporosis risk.—
Simon Spichak,
Health,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Gleason, famously fascinated with UFOs and metaphysical theory, dreamed up the circular home that embodied futuristic ambition while showcasing old-fashioned craftsmanship.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
To combat this, a central thesis of Holliday’s book is encouraging individuality and celebrating difference.—
Clare Mulroy,
USA Today,
27 Aug. 2025
-
Women’s Wealth Creates Tailwinds for Women’s Health VC Closing the gap in women’s health could add at least $1 trillion a year to the global economy by 2040—framing women’s health as a growth thesis, not just an equity issue.—
Geri Stengel,
Forbes.com,
27 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
She’s faced with her 12-year-old brother’s growing desire to break free – when her estranged sister shows up with a proposition for the boy, the siblings’ relationship is put to the test.—
Marta Balaga,
Variety,
2 Sep. 2025
-
The idea of sticking with something was more than a value proposition.—
Dev Patnaik,
Forbes.com,
2 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hypothesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hypothesis. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share