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

The best ones expose strategic blind spots and generate new hypotheses worth testing. —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 23 June 2025

To test the hypothesis, scientists at the Weizmann Institute of Science developed a lightweight wearable device with tubes under the nostrils to measure a person's nasal airflow for 24 hours. —Jay Kakade june 22, New Atlas, 22 June 2025

Another hypothesis is that plastic bag fees are applied to more retailers than plastic bag bans. —Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 19 June 2025

But 63% of respondents rated call spoofing among their top five challenges in outbound voice and the second most common hypothesis as to why existing customers are not answering calls. —James Garvert, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025