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

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 Her 20-year journey (and counting) to prove her hypothesis—and the exciting new discovery of a submerged ancient port several miles off the Mediterranean shore that was likely once part of that temple—are chronicled in Cleopatra's Final Secret, a new documentary film from National Geographic. Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 24 Sep. 2025 One hypothesis is that the dinosaur needed stronger jaws to bite down on harder fruits or seeds, Bertozzo noted. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 23 Sep. 2025 In their study, the team reviewed every major hypothesis so far put forward to explain GEC formation. New Atlas, 21 Sep. 2025 Poley told me that one of AI’s biggest strengths today is hypothesis development and expedited research. Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hypothesis
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hypothesis
Noun
  • The season drew heavy criticism for its glacial pace and incoherent plotting, generating more Reddit theories than actual scares and leaving viewers more haunted by what could have been.
    James Mercadante, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Combining investigative journalism, DNA analysis and cinematic dramatization, the docuseries examines four competing theories about Columbus’ origins and the mystery around the titles bestowed on him by the Catholic Monarchs.
    Emiliano De Pablos, Variety, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Her thesis detailed the first five years of study at the Gombe reserve.
    Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 1 Oct. 2025
  • His thesis is that if the GOP sticks together, Senate Democrats would have to climb down and accept House Republicans’ spending bill to get through the next seven weeks.
    Philip Elliott, Time, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The court reinstated Proposition 4, which says congressional districts need to be drawn by an independent redistricting commission and cannot favor one party over the other, to rule that the 2021 map was drawn in violation of the proposition.
    Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 7 Oct. 2025
  • The company’s unique value proposition includes custom rug delivery in two to four weeks, an impressive timeline for any custom category.
    Lauren Parker, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hypothesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hypothesis. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on hypothesis

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!