hypothesize

verb

hy·​poth·​e·​size hī-ˈpä-thə-ˌsīz How to pronounce hypothesize (audio)
hypothesized; hypothesizing

transitive verb

: to adopt as a hypothesis

Examples of hypothesize in a Sentence

Psychologists hypothesized that his odd behavior was caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. if we hypothesize that current population trends continue for the next 50 years
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Álvarez-Alonso et al. 2025 Researchers hypothesize the pebble was collected from a riverbed and transported to the interior of the rock shelter. Jay Kakade june 15, New Atlas, 15 June 2025 Broadhurst compared the twins' voice onset times to each other, hypothesizing that Niki, the gay twin, would have a longer voice onset time than Sammy, the straight twin. Charles Trepany, USA Today, 22 May 2025 The researchers hypothesize that those dinosaurs were better suited to colder climates, maybe because they were covered in feathers or possessed a warm-blooded body. Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 8 May 2025 The cart before the horse There’s a difference between a scientist who hypothesizes that a medical fact may be true and then sets about testing that idea, and a scientist who has already embraced and amplified a medical theory and is now casting about for something to support his conclusion. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 7 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for hypothesize

Word History

First Known Use

1738, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of hypothesize was in 1738

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Cite this Entry

“Hypothesize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hypothesize. Accessed 28 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

hypothesize

verb
hy·​poth·​e·​size hī-ˈpäth-ə-ˌsīz How to pronounce hypothesize (audio)
hypothesized; hypothesizing
1
: to make a hypothesis
2
: to adopt as a hypothesis
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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