theorize

1 of 2

verb

the·​o·​rize ˈthē-ə-ˌrīz How to pronounce theorize (audio)
ˈthir-ˌīz
theorized; theorizing
Synonyms of theorizenext

intransitive verb

: to form a theory : speculate

transitive verb

1
: to form a theory about
2
: to propose as a theory
theorization
ˌthē-ə-rə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce theorize (audio)
ˌthir-ə-
noun
theorizer noun

theorizer

2 of 2

noun

the·​o·​riz·​er
variants also British theoriser
-zə(r)
plural -s
: one that theorizes

Examples of theorize in a Sentence

Verb Many scientists have theorized about the possibility of life on other planets.
Recent Examples on the Web
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Verb
When looking at the statewide decline, state education leaders theorize it could be tied to the decline in the birth rate. — Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 July 2026 Many researchers theorize that carbon can remain trapped underground for extended periods of time. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 29 July 2026 Physicists had long theorized that an invisible field of energy gives mass to particles like protons while leaving particles of light — photons — massless. — Lisa Song, CNN Money, 28 July 2026 The Clase-Ortiz situation, however, could be just as useful a teaching tool as any, some players theorized. — Zack Meisel, New York Times, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for theorize

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1644, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of theorize was in 1644

Rhymes for theorize

See All Rhymes for theorize

Browse Nearby Words

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theorize
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Cite this Entry

“Theorize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theorize. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

theorize

verb
the·​o·​rize ˈthē-ə-ˌrīz How to pronounce theorize (audio)
theorized; theorizing
: to form a theory : speculate
theorizer noun

More from Merriam-Webster on theorize

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for theorize

Nglish: Translation of theorize for Spanish Speakers

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