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
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Recent Examples of hypothesis
The meticulous observation of each bear also helps the veterinarians, who use the information to consistently re-evaluate their own hypotheses.
—
Ryley Graham, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 June 2025
One popular theory of dreaming is the continuity hypothesis, which holds that dreams are built from the stuff of waking life.
—Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 3 June 2025
In the second season of the show, Fielder spent two-and-a-half years becoming a real pilot, on a journey to support his hypothesis that co-pilot-to-pilot communication is the leading cause of plane crashes.
—Kirsten Chuba, HollywoodReporter, 2 June 2025
But after a six-year investigation, officials had an alternative hypothesis, eventually accusing Sherri of manufacturing the kidnapping to run away with her former boyfriend, James Reyes.
—Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 26 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for hypothesis
Ryley Graham, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 June 2025
One popular theory of dreaming is the continuity hypothesis, which holds that dreams are built from the stuff of waking life.
—Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 3 June 2025
In the second season of the show, Fielder spent two-and-a-half years becoming a real pilot, on a journey to support his hypothesis that co-pilot-to-pilot communication is the leading cause of plane crashes.
—Kirsten Chuba, HollywoodReporter, 2 June 2025
But after a six-year investigation, officials had an alternative hypothesis, eventually accusing Sherri of manufacturing the kidnapping to run away with her former boyfriend, James Reyes.
—Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 26 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for hypothesis
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hypothesis
Noun
-
But the people interviewed for this story float several theories.—
Tyler Hicks,
Rolling Stone,
5 June 2025
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As fear grew in 2023 over the failure to reach a deal on raising the debt ceiling, the White House was said to be considering an option of last resort: an untested legal theory that involves invoking the 14th Amendment.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA Today,
4 June 2025
Noun
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The significant investment in Anthropic validates a new thesis: Building safe and aligned AI is not just ethical but a compelling investment opportunity.—
Elena Volotovskaya,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
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In addition to the 27 films screening at CIFF, the fest will feature a section titled the Student Film Corner, a place for college students in Croatia and neighboring countries to screen their thesis films.—
Addie Morfoot,
Variety,
3 June 2025
Noun
-
Betting against Musk has become a high-risk proposition, bordering on financial self-destruction.—
Joel Shulman,
Forbes.com,
8 June 2025
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Backers of incorporation frame it as a win-win proposition.—
Michael Smolens,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hypothesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hypothesis. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
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