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
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Recent Examples of hypothesis
Saatchi’s hypothesis is that AI — instead of simply being a tool for cheaper special effects — represents a new entertainment medium, one that more closely resembles video games.
—
Todd Spangler, Variety, 30 July 2025
Another hypothesis is that regular exposure to the kind of intense sweetness that artificial products deliver may condition the body to anticipate sugar calories that never come, affecting appetite regulation, insulin sensitivity and broader metabolic pathways.
—New Atlas, 29 July 2025
The researchers didn’t find any evidence of gnawing, which further supports the hypothesis that a caiman had chomped down on it.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 July 2025
Today on the show, host Regina G. Barber talks to freelance science journalist Diana Kwon about the latest research on stress and aging, including a new hypothesis for how your brain handles aging — and what science could do about all of it.
—Berly McCoy, NPR, 5 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hypothesis
Todd Spangler, Variety, 30 July 2025
Another hypothesis is that regular exposure to the kind of intense sweetness that artificial products deliver may condition the body to anticipate sugar calories that never come, affecting appetite regulation, insulin sensitivity and broader metabolic pathways.
—New Atlas, 29 July 2025
The researchers didn’t find any evidence of gnawing, which further supports the hypothesis that a caiman had chomped down on it.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 July 2025
Today on the show, host Regina G. Barber talks to freelance science journalist Diana Kwon about the latest research on stress and aging, including a new hypothesis for how your brain handles aging — and what science could do about all of it.
—Berly McCoy, NPR, 5 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hypothesis
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hypothesis
Noun
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Throughout the late 19th and 20th centuries, most popular theories of evolution focused on male-dominated, and in many cases aggressive, activities such as hunting, fighting, toolmaking, and semen-spreading to understand our development as a species.—
Elissa Strauss,
The Atlantic,
28 Aug. 2025
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Size isn’t everything in gorilla society Based on traditional theories of power and dominance among gorillas, males should consistently outrank females.—
RJ Mackenzie,
Popular Science,
28 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Editor's Note: This story was written under advisement of the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, where the author conducted this reporting in completion of his Master of Arts thesis.—
Alex J. Rouhandeh,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Aug. 2025
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All contribute to a convincing business vision and clear investment thesis that internal and external stakeholders can understand and convey.—
Noah Barsky,
Forbes.com,
20 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Reviewing a game like Shantae Advance is an interesting proposition because, on one hand, this is a truly old retro game originally designed for a handheld console.—
David Jagneaux,
Forbes.com,
22 Aug. 2025
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The Average Ordinary philosophy encourages businesses to: • Launch with Simplicity: Release a functional product or idea that captures your core value proposition.—
Michele Zanello,
Rolling Stone,
19 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hypothesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hypothesis. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.
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