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
In other words, the solution to the problem of the past hypothesis puzzle, or why the Universe possessed a low-entropy state at the start of the hot Big Bang, is because the Universe underwent a period of cosmic inflation.
—
Big Think, 9 Apr. 2026
The leading hypothesis had been that a frozen vent had been preventing waste dumps into space.
—Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 8 Apr. 2026
What is emerging is a picture of an artist of profound mathematical acuity, who mobilized geometric, sequential, and modular forms to test hypotheses on interrelation, regeneration, and evolution in pursuit of mystical revelation.
—Katherine Rochester, Artforum, 1 Apr. 2026
His method of intellectual humility is to admit ignorance, test variables and revise working hypotheses based on new data, staying open to suggestions from others the whole time.
—Deana L. Weibel, The Conversation, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hypothesis
Big Think, 9 Apr. 2026
The leading hypothesis had been that a frozen vent had been preventing waste dumps into space.
—Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 8 Apr. 2026
What is emerging is a picture of an artist of profound mathematical acuity, who mobilized geometric, sequential, and modular forms to test hypotheses on interrelation, regeneration, and evolution in pursuit of mystical revelation.
—Katherine Rochester, Artforum, 1 Apr. 2026
His method of intellectual humility is to admit ignorance, test variables and revise working hypotheses based on new data, staying open to suggestions from others the whole time.
—Deana L. Weibel, The Conversation, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hypothesis
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hypothesis
Noun
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In theory, this could be a standard beauty modification, like Ingres tossing a few extra vertebrae into a naked back.—
Zachary Fine,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
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But the general idea is that there is a lot of stuff in the universe that is not the familiar matter that we are made of, and there are theories in which this stuff is not entirely benign.—
Richard Edwards,
Space.com,
19 Apr. 2026
Noun
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But the most rewarding aspect of Apex, which was directed by Baltasar Kormákur and written by Jeremy Robbins, is the degree to which Ben’s thesis holds true for Sasha as well.—
Alison Willmore,
Vulture,
24 Apr. 2026
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Limon had been hard at work on his thesis for the past two years, studying how to use generative AI to monitor shrinking wetland in South Florida, his brother said.—
Isabel Rosales,
CNN Money,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
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And every proposition has elements in it that matter to individual people.—
Jack Fink,
CBS News,
19 Apr. 2026
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The proposition has been met with backlash online, as some believe the name insinuates a connection to the president or downplays the importance of the man who donated the land, whom it is named after.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
18 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hypothesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hypothesis. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.
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