theorize

verb

the·​o·​rize ˈthē-ə-ˌrīz How to pronounce theorize (audio)
ˈthir-ˌīz
theorized; theorizing

transitive verb

1
: to form a theory about
2
: to propose as a theory
theorization noun
theorizer noun

Examples of theorize in a Sentence

Many scientists have theorized about the possibility of life on other planets.
Recent Examples on the Web
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Previously, scientists theorized that free-floating planetary mass objects are simply rogue planets, ejected from their home star systems through interactions with passing stars or gravitational tussles with their own sibling planets. Robert Lea, Space.com, 10 Mar. 2025 Running back Aaron Jones, theorized as a fit for Denver due to his versatility on the ground and through the air, re-upped with the Minnesota Vikings. Luca Evans, The Denver Post, 10 Mar. 2025 Some tribal college leaders theorized they were targeted partly because of the formal name of the 1994 land-grant law: the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act. Matt Krupnick, ProPublica, 10 Mar. 2025 Initially, a number of people theorized that this unelected commission was a clever way for Trump to sideline the billionaire who had helped to take him over the line to victory. Kara Swisher, The Atlantic, 9 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for theorize

Word History

First Known Use

1644, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of theorize was in 1644

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Cite this Entry

“Theorize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theorize. Accessed 16 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

theorize

verb
the·​o·​rize ˈthē-ə-ˌrīz How to pronounce theorize (audio)
theorized; theorizing
: to form a theory : speculate
theorizer noun

More from Merriam-Webster on theorize

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