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
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Recent Examples of hypothesis
The working hypothesis behind the cluster is that the first case acquired hantavirus while on land, before boarding the cruise ship, the WHO said.
—
Youri Benadjaoud,
ABC News,
22 June 2026
Managers reminded analysts who advocated for the lab-leak hypothesis that leadership would determine which analysts would be promoted.
—
Ian Miller Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
22 June 2026
Researchers still don’t know exactly why sleep problems and high blood pressure seem to go hand in hand, but experts have a few hypotheses.
—
Zoe Cunniffe,
Health,
18 June 2026
This hypothesis is supported by several pieces of evidence.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for hypothesis
Youri Benadjaoud,
ABC News,
22 June 2026
Managers reminded analysts who advocated for the lab-leak hypothesis that leadership would determine which analysts would be promoted.
—
Ian Miller Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
22 June 2026
Researchers still don’t know exactly why sleep problems and high blood pressure seem to go hand in hand, but experts have a few hypotheses.
—
Zoe Cunniffe,
Health,
18 June 2026
This hypothesis is supported by several pieces of evidence.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for hypothesis
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hypothesis
Noun
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At a moment when technology companies were promising to bring people closer together, David Fincher’s acerbic drama about the founding of Facebook had a darker theory about why people wanted to connect in the first place.
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Susan Brands has a theory for why people come out of the woodwork seeking handouts from lottery winners.
Noun
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What The Bears Have Backwards The dominant market read since early 2026 has been that AI agents automate the seats and hollow out enterprise software, the thesis behind the software selloff some on the Street nicknamed the SaaSpocalypse.
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Not everyone sees that as a vindication of Greenspan's thesis, however.
Noun
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The SteelWatch report described Nippon’s plan to capture carbon dioxide from its blast furnaces, or to reduce CO2 emissions by burning more hydrogen and less coal, as long-term propositions at best.
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Lapinsky said because of its reputation for deals and promotions, Kohl’s has to offer a strong value proposition in addition to a worthwhile in-store experience, which sets it apart from other retailers.
Cite this Entry
“Hypothesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hypothesis. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.
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