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
Some of her theories apparently came to her in vivid dreams.
—
Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
The Witch Farm is inspired by the real events, theories, and witness accounts, but the BBC series will create or change some elements of the story for dramatic purposes.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2026
There are a number of theories about why.
—Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2026
Biologists have a couple theories.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 2 Apr. 2026
Fans of the guessing game have offered thousands of theories, with guesses from Akita to Shiba Inu and various mixes.
—Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
Creators share theories, fans reenact scenes, and inside jokes travel quickly across communities that shape what audiences want to see next.
—Partner Content, Variety, 1 Apr. 2026
Jim Carrey's ex Jenny McCarthy shut down those viral clone theories that surfaced after his César Awards appearance.
—Christina Perrier, InStyle, 1 Apr. 2026
By improving their algorithms and collecting more data, the team hopes to improve their measurements and possibly uncover deviations from existing theories.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 28 Mar. 2026
Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
The Witch Farm is inspired by the real events, theories, and witness accounts, but the BBC series will create or change some elements of the story for dramatic purposes.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2026
There are a number of theories about why.
—Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2026
Biologists have a couple theories.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 2 Apr. 2026
Fans of the guessing game have offered thousands of theories, with guesses from Akita to Shiba Inu and various mixes.
—Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
Creators share theories, fans reenact scenes, and inside jokes travel quickly across communities that shape what audiences want to see next.
—Partner Content, Variety, 1 Apr. 2026
Jim Carrey's ex Jenny McCarthy shut down those viral clone theories that surfaced after his César Awards appearance.
—Christina Perrier, InStyle, 1 Apr. 2026
By improving their algorithms and collecting more data, the team hopes to improve their measurements and possibly uncover deviations from existing theories.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 28 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for theories
Noun
-
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
-
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
-
They had been holed up in French diplomatic premises in Iran since their release from prison in November.—
Sarah Dean,
NBC news,
7 Apr. 2026
-
The proposal does not allow taking drinks to the beach and boardwalk; the alcohol must be consumed on the business' premises.—
Jennifer McLogan,
CBS News,
7 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Theories.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/theories. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
