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 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 See All Example Sentences for hypothesis
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hypothesis
Noun
  • Under unitary executive theory, there are few exceptions to the president’s authority.
    Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 28 June 2025
  • During May 15 oral arguments, none of the justices voiced support for the Trump administration’s theory that the president’s order is consistent with the 14th Amendment’s citizenship clause and past Supreme Court decisions about that provision.
    Sara Chernikoff, USA Today, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • But Musselman sees the ongoing turbulence in the world — conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East — as proof of Union’s thesis.
    David Jeans, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • In one scene, Agnes is wearing a pair of chunky combat boots, and old, worn pages of her thesis are taped to her window.
    Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 29 June 2025
Noun
  • Augmenting beneficial populations in our gardens is a great proposition.
    Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 July 2025
  • Keep it under 150 words, include a specific value proposition, and end with a clear next step.
    Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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