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
If that effort fails, prosecutors could seek to retry Garcia Torres on the murder charge, but they would not be allowed to rely on the prior kidnapping allegations or theories of willful, deliberate and premeditated murder, according to the ruling.
—
Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2026
Whether diving into complex theories or working late to ensure an essay is flawless, Aubrey is consistently the hardest-working person in the room.
—Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer, 27 Feb. 2026
However, fan theories, supported by Lillard himself, persisted for years over whether Stu could have survived.
—Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Feb. 2026
There were other theories as to why that might be, including the possibility that there was some evolutionary disadvantage to the Neanderthal X chromosome in humans.
—Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 26 Feb. 2026
But these findings also predate past theories of insect evolution, particularly for African malaria transmitters like Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles coluzzii.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 26 Feb. 2026
Before her nomination last spring, Means—who dropped out of her surgical residency in 2018—embraced some unconventional theories about wellness.
—Tom Bartlett, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2026
As with any high-profile crime, Guthrie’s disappearance has already mobilized armchair detectives and murder-board types, especially on TikTok, to come up with all manner of theories about who would commit such a crime.
—Victoria Bekiempis, Vulture, 26 Feb. 2026
Many theories have since been advanced to explain the explosion of violent crime, but at the time many of us felt exasperated.
—Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 22 Feb. 2026
Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2026
Whether diving into complex theories or working late to ensure an essay is flawless, Aubrey is consistently the hardest-working person in the room.
—Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer, 27 Feb. 2026
However, fan theories, supported by Lillard himself, persisted for years over whether Stu could have survived.
—Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Feb. 2026
There were other theories as to why that might be, including the possibility that there was some evolutionary disadvantage to the Neanderthal X chromosome in humans.
—Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 26 Feb. 2026
But these findings also predate past theories of insect evolution, particularly for African malaria transmitters like Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles coluzzii.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 26 Feb. 2026
Before her nomination last spring, Means—who dropped out of her surgical residency in 2018—embraced some unconventional theories about wellness.
—Tom Bartlett, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2026
As with any high-profile crime, Guthrie’s disappearance has already mobilized armchair detectives and murder-board types, especially on TikTok, to come up with all manner of theories about who would commit such a crime.
—Victoria Bekiempis, Vulture, 26 Feb. 2026
Many theories have since been advanced to explain the explosion of violent crime, but at the time many of us felt exasperated.
—Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 22 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for theories
Noun
-
Non-falsifiable and untestable hypotheses cannot be checked out, and hence those ideas are incapable of disproof.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
10 Feb. 2026
-
If there are answers to these questions, or informed hypotheses, this biography does not provide them.—
Kathryn Schulz,
New Yorker,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Ensure your home is securely locked when vacating the premises.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
24 Feb. 2026
-
Conditions of the bond included Bird could not enter the victim’s premises or have any contact with the victim.—
Laura Bauer,
Kansas City Star,
24 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Theories.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/theories. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
