as in hypotheses
an idea that is the starting point for making a case or conducting an investigation
set out to prove her theory that people can't really taste any difference between colas, so they buy according to the product's image
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 theories
Such theories were met with some skepticism by trade researchers at the time, and not all of the predictions have come true.
—
Josh Ederington, Fortune, 8 Feb. 2026
As the search continues with no suspects or persons of interest, posts across Instagram, TikTok, X, Facebook and YouTube have put millions of eyeballs on tips and theories surrounding her disappearance.
—Dallas Morning News, 7 Feb. 2026
Inspired by both pre-Columbian cultures and modern scientific theories, Jensen made energetic diagrams of shapes, symbols, and numbers in loud complementary colors, using thick globs of paint; the results generate a fascinating friction.
—Brian Seibert, New Yorker, 6 Feb. 2026
The researchers have some theories.
—Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026
Bellwether trials are used to test legal theories and help gauge the value of claims for possible settlements.
—Miguel Torres, Oklahoman, 6 Feb. 2026
Here's everything to know about who is performing at the Super Bowl this year, including fan theories about surprise guests.
—Catherine Messier, The Patriot Ledger, 6 Feb. 2026
Though archaeologists haven’t confirmed any of the theories, some have postulated a symbolic function, a site of initiation rituals, or spiritual retreats.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 1 Feb. 2026
What are your theories on how Hyacinth got a dress — and more specifically, a mask — to sneak into the masquerade ball?
—Arushi Jacob, Variety, 31 Jan. 2026
Josh Ederington, Fortune, 8 Feb. 2026
As the search continues with no suspects or persons of interest, posts across Instagram, TikTok, X, Facebook and YouTube have put millions of eyeballs on tips and theories surrounding her disappearance.
—Dallas Morning News, 7 Feb. 2026
Inspired by both pre-Columbian cultures and modern scientific theories, Jensen made energetic diagrams of shapes, symbols, and numbers in loud complementary colors, using thick globs of paint; the results generate a fascinating friction.
—Brian Seibert, New Yorker, 6 Feb. 2026
The researchers have some theories.
—Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026
Bellwether trials are used to test legal theories and help gauge the value of claims for possible settlements.
—Miguel Torres, Oklahoman, 6 Feb. 2026
Here's everything to know about who is performing at the Super Bowl this year, including fan theories about surprise guests.
—Catherine Messier, The Patriot Ledger, 6 Feb. 2026
Though archaeologists haven’t confirmed any of the theories, some have postulated a symbolic function, a site of initiation rituals, or spiritual retreats.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 1 Feb. 2026
What are your theories on how Hyacinth got a dress — and more specifically, a mask — to sneak into the masquerade ball?
—Arushi Jacob, Variety, 31 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for theories
Noun
-
Eliminating all alternative hypotheses.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Both of these hypotheses appear in preprints posted in the past two weeks, and each has already garnered its critics.—
Joseph Howlett,
Scientific American,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The update introduces a unified control plane that ties together silicon, systems, optics, and software across on-premises and cloud environments.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Mike Dvorak returned to play the accordion and strolled the event premises while singing about the Cocoa Crawl.—
Karie Angell Luc,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Theories.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/theories. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
