as in to speculate
to think of or suggest ideas about what is possibly true or real; to form or suggest a theory about something
Many scientists have theorized about the possibility of life on other planets.
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Recent Examples of theorize
Using speculative fiction as a playground to apply theory and to theorize removes the weight and baggage that comes with observing and theorizing about our own world.
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The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 10 Sep. 2025
In this kind of system, scientists theorize that the black hole tears the neutron star apart before swallowing it, which releases electromagnetic waves.
—Chad Hanna, The Conversation, 10 Sep. 2025
That’s the gulf between theorizing and building.
—Phil De Luna, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Ever since Starz revealed in a trailer that Julia and Henry would be able to time travel like their daughter, Outlander fans have been theorizing about how Claire’s parents would inevitably intersect with Jamie’s parents.
—Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for theorize
The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 10 Sep. 2025
In this kind of system, scientists theorize that the black hole tears the neutron star apart before swallowing it, which releases electromagnetic waves.
—Chad Hanna, The Conversation, 10 Sep. 2025
That’s the gulf between theorizing and building.
—Phil De Luna, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Ever since Starz revealed in a trailer that Julia and Henry would be able to time travel like their daughter, Outlander fans have been theorizing about how Claire’s parents would inevitably intersect with Jamie’s parents.
—Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for theorize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for theorize
speculate
Verb
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Some board members have questioned whether the contract was the best use of the district’s funds and speculated about the company’s founder’s ties to an advisor to the CMS superintendent.—
Rebecca Noel,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Sep. 2025
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In 2024, Kennedy speculated that antidepressant use could explain the rise of school shootings, despite a lack of scientific evidence to support such claims.—
Adrianna Rodriguez,
USA Today,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Theorize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/theorize. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
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