as in to speculate
to think of or suggest ideas about what is possibly true or real; to form or suggest a theory about something
Many scientists have theorized about the possibility of life on other planets.
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Recent Examples of theorize
There was no indication of the context of the posts, which racked up millions of views, with many online commenters theorizing the accounts could have been hacked or that an official was cryptically teasing something.
—
Dylan Butts, CNBC, 26 Mar. 2026
Bordaz had long theorized that the body of the musketeer was probably buried near the French camp, rather than being taken back to France, so that King Louis XIV could personally attend the burial of his loyal servant.
—Jack Guy, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2026
There is even a chance that the vessel is actually younger than archaeologists theorize.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 25 Mar. 2026
Emily, a libertarian from Colorado who has been involved with the ACC for several years, theorized that the divide among the members’ priorities is regional.
—Gaby Del Valle, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for theorize
Dylan Butts, CNBC, 26 Mar. 2026
Bordaz had long theorized that the body of the musketeer was probably buried near the French camp, rather than being taken back to France, so that King Louis XIV could personally attend the burial of his loyal servant.
—Jack Guy, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2026
There is even a chance that the vessel is actually younger than archaeologists theorize.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 25 Mar. 2026
Emily, a libertarian from Colorado who has been involved with the ACC for several years, theorized that the divide among the members’ priorities is regional.
—Gaby Del Valle, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for theorize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for theorize
speculate
Verb
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Kennedy Bartley, Johnson’s chief of external affairs, didn’t speculate on what was driving the opposition, but denied any suggestion city lobbyists aren’t communicating with lawmakers.—
Jeremy Gorner,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Apr. 2026
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Twenty years after The Devil Wears Prada debuted, fans have long speculated that her icy, commanding fashion editor character, Miranda Priestly, was inspired by Anna Wintour.—
Angelique Brenes,
PEOPLE,
5 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Theorize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/theorize. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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