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 models have to suss them out by taking actions in the game, seeing what happens, forming hypotheses, and then taking more actions to test those theories. — Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 18 Aug. 2026 Usually a hypothesis justifies the data collected, rather than the reverse. — Jennifer D. Oliva, The Conversation, 17 Aug. 2026 According to the hypothesis, a black hole star would be embedded in a growing galaxy, too, but its light could easily outshine and obscure the surrounding stars. — Lee Billings, Scientific American, 12 Aug. 2026 The hypothesis that Earhart and Noonan landed on Nikumaroro and later perished there has gained steam in recent years. — Christopher Cann, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hypothesis
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hypothesis
  1. theory
  2. thesis
  3. proposition
Noun
  • The lipstick index is an economic theory holding that sales of affordable discretionary spending or luxuries skyrocket when consumers believe an economic recession is impending.
    — Sarah Glodek, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Yet Turing’s theory of computation wasn’t really about computers, at least not at first.
    — Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of theory
Noun
  • Shares of CrowdStrike jumped 10% after the company delivered another beat-and-raise quarter, cementing our thesis that cybersecurity has become one of the most critical investment priorities for companies in a post-Mythos world.
    — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Instead, the movie’s unexpected main attraction became indelible proof of its timelessly powerful thesis of acceptance.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of thesis
Noun
  • The tax’s main sponsor, SEIU-United Healthworkers West, argued the proposition is clearly targeted at billionaires and no one else.
    — Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 27 Aug. 2026
  • As a campaign finance watchdog two decades before the billionaire tax proposition, Wigglesworth warned Californians about what happened when wealthy donors flooded politics with cash.
    — Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of proposition

Browse Nearby Words

hypotheses
hypothesis
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Cite this Entry

“Hypothesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hypothesis. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on hypothesis

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hypothesis

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