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

The Danish company said further work is needed to confirm the hypotheses of two post-study analyses. — Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2026

Evidence of a planetary-scale collision The popularity of the giant-impact hypothesis can be attributed to the multiple lines of evidence supporting the impact scenario. — Micah Hanks, Space.com, 19 Oct. 2026

In retrospect, Radziwiłł said, mathematicians who study the branch of number theory that all this work belongs to were mistaken in thinking that their tools weren’t strong enough to resolve the quasi-Riemann hypothesis. — Quanta Magazine, 19 Oct. 2026

The findings offer a hypothesis for how microplastics may harm human health. — Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026