Synonyms of hypothesis

hypothesis

noun

hī-ˈpä-thə-səs 

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

• theory
• thesis
• proposition
• premise
• assumption
• suggestion
• guess
• supposition
• impression
• proposal
• inference
• theorem
• hunch
• conjecture
• suspicion
• speculation
• presumption
• notion
• generalization
• concept
• presupposition
• premiss
• surmise
• concession
• construct
• conception
• guesswork
• abstraction
• feeling
• proffer
• inkling

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• fact
• knowledge
• assurance
• certainty

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

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