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
The theories about what could have happened to Nancy Guthrie, Savannah Guthrie’s mom, are varied.
—
Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 7 June 2026
But then again, everyone has theories about Stonehenge.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 6 June 2026
Historians don't really know for sure, but there are a few theories.
—Ayana Archie, NPR, 4 June 2026
Her disappearance sparked a three-decades-long search by authorities that prompted multiple theories surrounding the case, though her body has never been recovered and no one has been charged with a crime.
—Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2026
And one of my big creative theories is that the best ideas are out there in the world.
—Emily Elias, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 June 2026
Dodging accusations of being a control freak, feuding with other musicians, and proliferating bizarro theories on UFOs seemed more important than writing good songs.
—David Harris, SPIN, 2 June 2026
His enforcers were trained in torture techniques by the CIA and educated in the theories expounded by the political scientist Samuel Huntington.
—Wyatt Williams, Harpers Magazine, 2 June 2026
For 50 years, the case has generated theories and verdicts and reversals and books and television specials.
—Kate Casey, Vanity Fair, 2 June 2026
Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 7 June 2026
But then again, everyone has theories about Stonehenge.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 6 June 2026
Historians don't really know for sure, but there are a few theories.
—Ayana Archie, NPR, 4 June 2026
Her disappearance sparked a three-decades-long search by authorities that prompted multiple theories surrounding the case, though her body has never been recovered and no one has been charged with a crime.
—Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2026
And one of my big creative theories is that the best ideas are out there in the world.
—Emily Elias, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 June 2026
Dodging accusations of being a control freak, feuding with other musicians, and proliferating bizarro theories on UFOs seemed more important than writing good songs.
—David Harris, SPIN, 2 June 2026
His enforcers were trained in torture techniques by the CIA and educated in the theories expounded by the political scientist Samuel Huntington.
—Wyatt Williams, Harpers Magazine, 2 June 2026
For 50 years, the case has generated theories and verdicts and reversals and books and television specials.
—Kate Casey, Vanity Fair, 2 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for theories
Noun
-
There are three primary hypotheses for how birds might sense Earth’s geomagnetic field.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
28 May 2026
-
If more evidence shows GLP-1 drugs are found to reduce the chance of cancer progressing, the researchers also want to figure out why and have many possible hypotheses at the moment, including the drug changing the immune system, acting directly on tumor cells and reducing inflammation.—
Victoria Forster,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2026
Noun
-
In a letter addressed to the Meadowbrook Master Board and obtained by the Johnson County Post, the owners explain that a notable, unnamed organization would be staying on the premises and using the restaurant spaces.—
Jenna Thompson
June 2,
Kansas City Star,
2 June 2026
-
Although there was talk that the dinner would resume, Jiang appeared on stage about an hour later and said that it would be rescheduled, after law enforcement recommended that guests leave the premises.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
2 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Theories.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/theories. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.
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