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
In a time when science’s boundaries were less stable, Lamarck’s poetic theories had significant influence, and its traces can even be detected in contemporary epigenetics.
—
The New Yorker, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
But the general idea is that there is a lot of stuff in the universe that is not the familiar matter that we are made of, and there are theories in which this stuff is not entirely benign.
—Richard Edwards, Space.com, 19 Apr. 2026
In reality, the origin is much simpler and perhaps less exciting than those theories.
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2026
The case gained national attention, generated thousands of tips, and sparked online theories and debates that continue even today.
—Kelsy Mittauer, CBS News, 18 Apr. 2026
Cops believe Greene was aiming at Kaori’s father, but Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez theories about Greene’s motive, which may have involved a gang rivalry and drill rap lyrics, are contuning to evolve.
—Emma Seiwell, New York Daily News, 17 Apr. 2026
In April 2026, Olivia Rodrigo released music that has since sparked fan theories about a possible reference to her ex, actor Louis Partridge.
—Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 17 Apr. 2026
Squeezing my red into color theories.
—Adam Moss, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2026
There are several theories why.
—Fielding Buck, Oc Register, 17 Apr. 2026
The New Yorker, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
But the general idea is that there is a lot of stuff in the universe that is not the familiar matter that we are made of, and there are theories in which this stuff is not entirely benign.
—Richard Edwards, Space.com, 19 Apr. 2026
In reality, the origin is much simpler and perhaps less exciting than those theories.
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2026
The case gained national attention, generated thousands of tips, and sparked online theories and debates that continue even today.
—Kelsy Mittauer, CBS News, 18 Apr. 2026
Cops believe Greene was aiming at Kaori’s father, but Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez theories about Greene’s motive, which may have involved a gang rivalry and drill rap lyrics, are contuning to evolve.
—Emma Seiwell, New York Daily News, 17 Apr. 2026
In April 2026, Olivia Rodrigo released music that has since sparked fan theories about a possible reference to her ex, actor Louis Partridge.
—Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 17 Apr. 2026
Squeezing my red into color theories.
—Adam Moss, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2026
There are several theories why.
—Fielding Buck, Oc Register, 17 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for theories
Noun
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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
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His method of intellectual humility is to admit ignorance, test variables and revise working hypotheses based on new data, staying open to suggestions from others the whole time.—
Deana L. Weibel,
The Conversation,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Minor damage was caused to the synagogue’s premises and nobody was injured in that attack, police said.—
Lauren Kent,
CNN Money,
21 Apr. 2026
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When citizens insist on shaping the basic terms of social life by appealing to premises that others cannot reasonably be expected to accept—revelation, doctrines of transcendence, private moral visions—the result is not a purer politics but a dangerously brittle one.—
Nikhil Krishnan,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Theories.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/theories. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.
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