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
Fittingly, more than a few observers have been eager to turn art into blood sport, pitting Coen against Coen, Safdie against Safdie, and theorizing about which sibling is the greater talent.
—
Justin Chang, New Yorker, 2 Jan. 2026
Astronomers theorize that 2003 EH1, which takes about 5½ years to orbit the sun, is a dead comet that is now essentially a rock.
—Doris Alvarez Cea, Florida Times-Union, 2 Jan. 2026
The researchers theorize that this kind of intense morning song may help birds warm up their vocals more quickly following a night of rest, which in turn improves their chances of reproductive success during the day.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 31 Dec. 2025
That’s what the media and entertainment sector experienced in 2025, with Warner Bros Discovery shares surging 170% due to investor theorizing about the upside of the company’s acquisition by either Netflix or Paramount.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for theorize
Justin Chang, New Yorker, 2 Jan. 2026
Astronomers theorize that 2003 EH1, which takes about 5½ years to orbit the sun, is a dead comet that is now essentially a rock.
—Doris Alvarez Cea, Florida Times-Union, 2 Jan. 2026
The researchers theorize that this kind of intense morning song may help birds warm up their vocals more quickly following a night of rest, which in turn improves their chances of reproductive success during the day.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 31 Dec. 2025
That’s what the media and entertainment sector experienced in 2025, with Warner Bros Discovery shares surging 170% due to investor theorizing about the upside of the company’s acquisition by either Netflix or Paramount.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for theorize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for theorize
speculate
Verb
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Multiple people close to the situation had stated or speculated that an official request had been sent, and the president himself had said that Combs had asked for clemency, but Thursday’s report was the first official confirmation of the letter’s existence.—
Jem Aswad,
Variety,
8 Jan. 2026
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Some speculated that Harbaugh could take a year off, but his brother, Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim, ruled that out on Wednesday.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Theorize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/theorize. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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