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 The hypothesis was that one of the men — linked to organized crime groups that robbed wealthy homes — attempted to rob the Percy home and Valerie had woken up. — Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 7 Aug. 2026 It should then be evaluated against that hypothesis rather than against the amount of AI consumed. — Bryan Murphy, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2026 But with this hypothesis the siblings felt they had been given the freedom to dream for the first time—the very time a miracle might just happen. — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026 The World Health Organization’s independent scientific advisory group reported in 2025 that much of the information needed to fully evaluate the competing hypotheses had not been provided by China. — Art Jipson, The Conversation, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for hypothesis
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hypothesis
  1. theory
  2. thesis
  3. proposition
Noun
  • Quanta spoke with Cao about evidence for the programmed theory of aging, what happens at each stage, and why aging mammals are like trees shedding leaves.
    — Ingrid Wickelgren, Quanta Magazine, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The sheriff's office also sought to rebut theories that had circulated publicly about the case, including claims that evidence was missing or the crime scene had been manipulated.
    — Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of theory
Noun
  • The problem was that thesis got derailed by a temporary loss of momentum in AI stocks – and that derailment was magnified by leverage, which magnifies both gains and losses.
    — Matt Egan, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The result became Cohen’s thesis and earned him an assistant professorship at New York University at the age of 25.
    — Shalma Wegsman, Quanta Magazine, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of thesis
Noun
  • Bain said this exodus has mostly been driven by soaring prices and a weakening value proposition.
    — George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Great Things is moving away from pure AI startups and focusing on ones that have a durable value proposition and are built on their own tech rather than that of OpenAI or Anthropic, Kalantari said.
    — Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 13 Aug. 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 18 Aug. 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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