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.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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 theorize
Heated to an extreme level Chemists have long theorized that diboride compounds possess unusual properties, but studying these properties was impossible because the compounds could not be created.
—
Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2025
However, the team theorized that skill discrepancies also indicate that the teeth potentially came from three separate children, noting the range of craftsmanship across the jade inlays.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 28 Aug. 2025
Some have theorized that the slabs — which weigh between one and three tons — were carried by Ice Age glaciers.
—Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2025
This led observers to theorize that children using the AI to help with classwork and homework made up a significant portion of the bot's traffic.
—Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for theorize
Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2025
However, the team theorized that skill discrepancies also indicate that the teeth potentially came from three separate children, noting the range of craftsmanship across the jade inlays.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 28 Aug. 2025
Some have theorized that the slabs — which weigh between one and three tons — were carried by Ice Age glaciers.
—Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2025
This led observers to theorize that children using the AI to help with classwork and homework made up a significant portion of the bot's traffic.
—Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for theorize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for theorize
speculate
Verb
-
With the film’s ongoing momentum showing no signs of stopping, many industry observers are now speculating that KPop Demon Hunters could score two Oscar nominations—one for Best Animated Feature and one for Best Original Song—and maybe even at least one Oscar win.—
Regina Kim,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Fans are even speculating that Swift may drop the first single from her upcoming album, The Life of a Showgirl, in the series finale—which seems deranged, but weirder things have happened.—
Olivia Petter,
Vogue,
2 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Theorize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/theorize. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share