Synonyms of theory

theory

noun

ˈthē-ə-rē 

as in hypothesis

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

• hypothesis
• thesis
• proposition
• premise
• assumption
• suggestion
• guess
• supposition
• theorem
• impression
• proposal
• inference
• hunch
• conjecture
• concept
• speculation
• generalization
• suspicion
• presumption
• notion
• presupposition
• premiss
• conception
• concession
• construct
• abstraction
• surmise
• feeling
• guesswork
• proffer
• inkling

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• fact
• knowledge
• assurance
• certainty

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun theory differ from other similar words?

The words hypothesis and law are common synonyms of theory. While all three words mean "a formula derived by inference from scientific data that explains a principle operating in nature," theory implies a greater range of evidence and greater likelihood of truth.

the theory of evolution

When would hypothesis be a good substitute for theory?

Although the words hypothesis and theory have much in common, hypothesis implies insufficient evidence to provide more than a tentative explanation.

a hypothesis explaining the extinction of the dinosaurs

When might law be a better fit than theory?

The meanings of law and theory largely overlap; however, law implies a statement of order and relation in nature that has been found to be invariable under the same conditions.

the law of gravitation

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of theory

Some studies suggest that drinking milk is linked to acne, and one theory, as Dr. Jegasothy has explained, is that hormones mean more potential pimples. —Sarah Kinonen, Allure, 27 Nov. 2024

Before this latest research, two theories had been proposed to explain the transition from a world dominated by non-dinosaurian reptiles to one in which the dinosaurs were ascendant, the study noted. —Katie Hunt, CNN, 27 Nov. 2024

In an interview with 9News, Patsy opened up about her theories regarding her daughter’s death. —Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 26 Nov. 2024

While the triggers for the extreme cold at that time are debated, prevailing theories involve changes in tectonic plate activity, including the release of particles into the atmosphere that reflected sunlight away from Earth. —Liam Courtney-Davies, Discover Magazine, 14 Nov. 2024