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
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Recent Examples of theories
This possibility has not been one of the most prevalent theories about the case.
—
Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 1 May 2026
Such theories reflect a misunderstanding of Iran’s complex system and do little to advance American diplomatic aims.
—Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 1 May 2026
However the legal theories that were used might be more difficult to prove in e-motorcycle cases, Rosenthal said.
—ABC News, 1 May 2026
The viral Internet sensation's new video cheekily leaned into the theories about his striking resemblance to Riverdale star KJ Apa.
—Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026
Historians have different theories on the origin of the town's name.
—Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026
Drastic cuts to school system Without actually recommending any, the interim superintendent presented the committee with theories of drastic cuts to the school system.
—Kristina Rex, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026
Schliemann’s findings and the continuing work of later archeologists seriously fueled theories of the historicity of the Trojan War, dated by later Greek authors to the 12th or 13th century bce.
—Gitanjali Roy, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Apr. 2026
Stirs some theories, too, about said coach’s real feelings about the pick.
—Zak Keefer, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 1 May 2026
Such theories reflect a misunderstanding of Iran’s complex system and do little to advance American diplomatic aims.
—Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 1 May 2026
However the legal theories that were used might be more difficult to prove in e-motorcycle cases, Rosenthal said.
—ABC News, 1 May 2026
The viral Internet sensation's new video cheekily leaned into the theories about his striking resemblance to Riverdale star KJ Apa.
—Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026
Historians have different theories on the origin of the town's name.
—Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026
Drastic cuts to school system Without actually recommending any, the interim superintendent presented the committee with theories of drastic cuts to the school system.
—Kristina Rex, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026
Schliemann’s findings and the continuing work of later archeologists seriously fueled theories of the historicity of the Trojan War, dated by later Greek authors to the 12th or 13th century bce.
—Gitanjali Roy, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Apr. 2026
Stirs some theories, too, about said coach’s real feelings about the pick.
—Zak Keefer, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for theories
Noun
-
To test these hypotheses, a team from Columbia and Harvard decided to see if they could get rid of one of the 20 currently in use.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
30 Apr. 2026
-
What is emerging is a picture of an artist of profound mathematical acuity, who mobilized geometric, sequential, and modular forms to test hypotheses on interrelation, regeneration, and evolution in pursuit of mystical revelation.—
Katherine Rochester,
Artforum,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Ensure your home is securely locked when vacating the premises.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Ensure your home is securely locked when vacating the premises.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
27 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Theories.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/theories. Accessed 6 May. 2026.
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