hypothesis

noun

hī-ˈpä-thə-səs How to pronounce hypothesis (audio)
Definition of hypothesisnext
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

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How does the noun hypothesis differ from other similar words?

The words law and theory are common synonyms of hypothesis. While all three words mean "a formula derived by inference from scientific data that explains a principle operating in nature," hypothesis implies insufficient evidence to provide more than a tentative explanation.

a hypothesis explaining the extinction of the dinosaurs

When can law be used instead of hypothesis?

The synonyms law and hypothesis are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

In what contexts can theory take the place of hypothesis?

The words theory and hypothesis can be used in similar contexts, but theory implies a greater range of evidence and greater likelihood of truth.

the theory of evolution

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 Even so, the model is helping scientists to prioritize which genetic variants are most likely to matter, narrowing the search from across the genome to a manageable set of testable hypotheses. —Elie Dolgin, IEEE Spectrum, 4 Feb. 2026 That hypothesis is puzzling to experts who point out that the half-life of pembrolizumab is over three weeks long. —Angus Chen, STAT, 2 Feb. 2026 The presence of famous executives and creators made success feel less like a hypothesis and more like an inevitability. —Spencer Harrison, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2026 As to what that is, Cook points to two hypotheses. —Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hypothesis
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hypothesis
  1. theory
  2. thesis
  3. proposition
Noun
  • Such theories were met with some skepticism by trade researchers at the time, and not all of the predictions have come true.
    — Josh Ederington, Fortune, 8 Feb. 2026
  • As the search continues with no suspects or persons of interest, posts across Instagram, TikTok, X, Facebook and YouTube have put millions of eyeballs on tips and theories surrounding her disappearance.
    — Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 7 Feb. 2026
Definition of theory
Noun
  • In fact, as the year progressed, my thesis had come to seem like a classic office job.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Catch up on any investment thesis for stocks that may trade near or below the average cost basis or most recent buy.
    — , CNBC, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of thesis
Noun
  • While this question is inherently subjective based on each traveler’s needs and budget, Hochberg found that the Royal Beach Club provides one of the better value propositions for shore excursions in Nassau.
    — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Feb. 2026
  • This year an enterprising gambler can find places to bet on all sorts of propositions for Bad Bunny’s halftime performance.
    — David Hill, Rolling Stone, 6 Feb. 2026
Definition of proposition

Browse Nearby Words

hypotheses
hypothesis
hypothesize
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Cite this Entry

“Hypothesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hypothesis. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on hypothesis

Nglish: Translation of hypothesis for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hypothesis

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