Synonym Chooser

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 This approach dovetails with the hygiene hypothesis: some scientists believe that, in recent decades, an overage of skin cleaning has reduced people’s beneficial bacteria too much, leading to upticks in allergies and infections. Matt Fuchs, TIME, 3 Mar. 2025 To test that hypothesis, the scientists placed juvenile sea turtles into two large tanks of water outfitted with large coils to create magnetic signatures at specific locations within the tanks. Ars Technica, 28 Feb. 2025 The new work strengthens the hypothesis that these toxins can accelerate brain aging and Alzheimer’s through S-nitrosylation. Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 28 Feb. 2025 François Forget, senior research scientist and research director at the French National Centre for Scientific Research, said he isn’t entirely convinced by the hypothesis presented in the study that only ocean shorelines can explain the radar data. Ashley Strickland, CNN, 28 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hypothesis
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hypothesis
Noun
  • Zoom in: Here are 10 theories, based on conversations with dozens of top Democrats, on what went wrong and what needs to change.
    Alex Thompson, Axios, 22 Mar. 2025
  • No theory about what Facebook should be in the world.
    Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 22 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Ensuring this technology stack is mature and affordable needs to be our central thesis and goal.
    Alan Ohnsman, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Our long-term thesis on underappreciated schizophrenia drug Cobenfy is still intact.
    Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 13 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Given the current political situation in the U.S., Lough recognizes the reality that his film might be a risky proposition for distributors who likely don’t want to run afoul of the current administration.
    Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Whatever the case, Xiaomi flagships are in this odd space of being high value propositions in Asia while being premium priced in Europe.
    Ben Sin, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hypothesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hypothesis. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on hypothesis

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