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

There are three primary hypotheses for how birds might sense Earth’s geomagnetic field. —ArsTechnica, 28 May 2026

In this regard, their underlying idea is based only on liberal values, referring to the liberal-aggregative model of media and democracy and the efficient-market hypothesis in economic theory. —Steve Paulussen, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 May 2026

Founders who treat their operational approach as a hypothesis to test and refine often outperform those who don't. —Laura Jayne Waters, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026

Older children might like setting up an experiment by altering the balance of something essential, like water, for different plants and making hypotheses about what the right balance is. —Jamie Siebrase, Denver Post, 20 May 2026