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.
Though multiple theories might explain their striking punctuality—among them blind luck—another possibility is that the traders were warned of the launch in advance, the crypto forensics experts hypothesize. Joel Khalili, WIRED, 31 Jan. 2025 Studies have hypothesized that the ingredient may be just as effective as prescription minoxidil (a hair growth medicine), but more data is needed. Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 17 Jan. 2025 Surprisingly, total solitude wasn’t as restorative as researchers initially hypothesized. Hannah Singleton, Health, 10 Jan. 2025 Researchers have hypothesized that depersonalization/derealization might be part of the mind’s defense system. Christina Caron, New York Times, 9 Jan. 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

Dictionary Entries Near hypothesize

Cite this Entry

“Hypothesize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hypothesize. Accessed 5 Feb. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on hypothesize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!