HYPOTHESIS Synonyms: 35 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

hypothesis

noun

hī-ˈpä-thə-səs

Definition of hypothesis next

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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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

Examples 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 Focus On High-Quality Sources Start with a clear hypothesis. —

Expert Panel®, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024 My hypothesis was there's gonna be an opportunity to build Universal Music or United Artists with creators. —

Kerry Flynn, Axios, 28 Oct. 2024 Following animals inherently required observation and inference; what was pursuing a trail if not testing a hypothesis? —

Ben Goldfarb, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 Oct. 2024 Ripple adds that testing such hypotheses will always be difficult in a large ecosystem where events unfold more like a multiplayer drama than an experiment. —

Byvirginia Morell, science.org, 23 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for hypothesis

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hypothesis

Noun

The theory proposes that each generation should be considered a separate social group formed by specific historical events and social and cultural environments.

Boris Abaev, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
The theory was popularized by manifestos left by perpetrators in a number of high-profile neo-Nazi and white supremacist terrorist incidents, including the killing of 51 people at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, in 2019.

Patrick Smith, NBC News, 5 Nov. 2024