as in theory
an idea that is the starting point for making a case or conducting an investigation
working on the hypothesis that teenagers function better in the late morning, some high schools are starting classes later
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 hypothesis
The working hypothesis behind the cluster is that the first case acquired hantavirus while on land, before boarding the cruise ship, the WHO said.
—
Youri Benadjaoud,
ABC News,
22 June 2026
Managers reminded analysts who advocated for the lab-leak hypothesis that leadership would determine which analysts would be promoted.
—
Ian Miller Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
22 June 2026
Researchers still don’t know exactly why sleep problems and high blood pressure seem to go hand in hand, but experts have a few hypotheses.
—
Zoe Cunniffe,
Health,
18 June 2026
This hypothesis is supported by several pieces of evidence.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for hypothesis
Youri Benadjaoud,
ABC News,
22 June 2026
Managers reminded analysts who advocated for the lab-leak hypothesis that leadership would determine which analysts would be promoted.
—
Ian Miller Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
22 June 2026
Researchers still don’t know exactly why sleep problems and high blood pressure seem to go hand in hand, but experts have a few hypotheses.
—
Zoe Cunniffe,
Health,
18 June 2026
This hypothesis is supported by several pieces of evidence.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for hypothesis
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hypothesis
Noun
-
Germ theory also emerged in the late 1800s, in which scientists discovered that germs caused disease.
-
The two budding geniuses would sit in Charles’ apartment for hours, talking music theory and analyzing records, though Jones’s curiosity occasionally exhausted Charles.
Noun
-
GameStop's takeover pursuit adds a headline catalyst, but the more durable thesis is that eBay's own operating momentum is improving.
-
The thesis rests on a claim that would have sounded absurd a year ago.
Noun
-
Its value proposition is strong since each trim comes with a long list of standard features.
-
The property experience, the digital experience and the value proposition all become searchable, summarized and compared.
Cite this Entry
“Hypothesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hypothesis. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
