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
• 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

Because of the nuclear test-ban treaty there is, quite rightly, no way to test the hypothesis that the transients are related to atmospheric phenomena caused by nuclear explosions, of which there were at least 124 above the ground between 1951 and 1957. —Keith Cooper, Space.com, 29 Oct. 2025

This gives the false impression that scientific progress comes only in paradigm-shifting insights that overturn previous thinking, and that all new hypotheses are equally probable until falsified. —Zack Savitsky, Quanta Magazine, 29 Oct. 2025

Capturing a moment under specific conditions can help validate a hypothesis or guide mission changes. —Suzanne Wright, USA Today, 29 Oct. 2025

And so, in principle, there is always an alternative hypothesis that could explain the data. —Big Think, 29 Oct. 2025