as in hypotheses
an idea that is the starting point for making a case or conducting an investigation
set out to prove her theory that people can't really taste any difference between colas, so they buy according to the product's image
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Recent Examples of theories
Stirs some theories, too, about said coach’s real feelings about the pick.
—
Zak Keefer, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
In a new book, Geoff Kelly traces how the artworks moved through criminal networks, where violence took the lives of key suspects and witnesses, and challenges long-circulating theories by revisiting key details.
—ABC News, 26 Apr. 2026
According to standard theories, that should mean a much dimmer and less energetic nebula.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 26 Apr. 2026
Levine offered some theories depending on whether a young person is college-educated or not, but most defied simple narratives.
—Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 26 Apr. 2026
The photos published by The Sun immediately sparked headlines and theories that the pair are heading to the altar, with Cosmo referring to the piece of jewelry as an engagement ring with their full chest.
—Hannah Madlener, Glamour, 24 Apr. 2026
In scientific theories, the Multiverse appears as a bug rather than as a feature.
—Big Think, 23 Apr. 2026
How Late-Night Snacking May Affect Bowel Regularity The study didn’t explore the link between stress, late-night snacking, and gut microbiome changes, but there are a few theories.
—Rob Williams, EverydayHealth.com, 23 Apr. 2026
In a time when science’s boundaries were less stable, Lamarck’s poetic theories had significant influence, and its traces can even be detected in contemporary epigenetics.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
Zak Keefer, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
In a new book, Geoff Kelly traces how the artworks moved through criminal networks, where violence took the lives of key suspects and witnesses, and challenges long-circulating theories by revisiting key details.
—ABC News, 26 Apr. 2026
According to standard theories, that should mean a much dimmer and less energetic nebula.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 26 Apr. 2026
Levine offered some theories depending on whether a young person is college-educated or not, but most defied simple narratives.
—Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 26 Apr. 2026
The photos published by The Sun immediately sparked headlines and theories that the pair are heading to the altar, with Cosmo referring to the piece of jewelry as an engagement ring with their full chest.
—Hannah Madlener, Glamour, 24 Apr. 2026
In scientific theories, the Multiverse appears as a bug rather than as a feature.
—Big Think, 23 Apr. 2026
How Late-Night Snacking May Affect Bowel Regularity The study didn’t explore the link between stress, late-night snacking, and gut microbiome changes, but there are a few theories.
—Rob Williams, EverydayHealth.com, 23 Apr. 2026
In a time when science’s boundaries were less stable, Lamarck’s poetic theories had significant influence, and its traces can even be detected in contemporary epigenetics.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for theories
Noun
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What is emerging is a picture of an artist of profound mathematical acuity, who mobilized geometric, sequential, and modular forms to test hypotheses on interrelation, regeneration, and evolution in pursuit of mystical revelation.—
Katherine Rochester,
Artforum,
1 Apr. 2026
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His method of intellectual humility is to admit ignorance, test variables and revise working hypotheses based on new data, staying open to suggestions from others the whole time.—
Deana L. Weibel,
The Conversation,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Ensure your home is securely locked when vacating the premises.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Ensure your home is securely locked when vacating the premises.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
27 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Theories.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/theories. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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