theorist

noun

the·​o·​rist ˈthē-ə-rist How to pronounce theorist (audio)
ˈthir-ist
: a person who theorizes

Examples of theorist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
This doesn’t mean tolerating recklessness, but rather creating safe-to-fail spaces—a term popularized by complexity theorist Dave Snowden—where people can test ideas, share lessons and adjust without fear of blame. Sandro Da Silva, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025 The theorists predict that the beginning of the end will be in about 10 billion years — less than the present age of the universe. Paul Sutter, Space.com, 24 July 2025 Oscillator theorists refer to this behavior as the Devil's staircase—a mathematical term for sudden jumps or skips in patterns. Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 July 2025 Past that limit, theorists had predicted solid gold would have a higher entropy than liquid gold—a clear violation of the laws of thermodynamics. Clara Moskowitz, Scientific American, 23 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for theorist

Word History

First Known Use

1588, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of theorist was in 1588

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Theorist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theorist. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

theorist

noun
the·​o·​rist ˈthē-ə-rəst How to pronounce theorist (audio)
ˈthi(-ə)r-əst
: a person who theorizes

More from Merriam-Webster on theorist

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!