supposition

noun

sup·​po·​si·​tion ˌsə-pə-ˈzi-shən How to pronounce supposition (audio)
1
: something that is supposed : hypothesis
2
: the act of supposing
suppositional adjective

Examples of supposition in a Sentence

a supposition that proved correct This is just idle supposition.
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.
Yet as Gee points out, to date, there are still only suppositions, rather than conclusive evidence about why hominins made the transition to a bipedal lifestyle. Bruce Dorminey, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025 Although Matty is, sadly, right about a lot of her suppositions — including her insistence that Ellie had lied about being on the wagon when the toddler Alfie burned himself — the tough love is, honestly, tough to take. Noel Murray, Vulture, 20 Feb. 2025 Xi had, of course, preferred the Russian offensive to succeed smoothly and effectively, but even after the Ukrainian defenders made a mockery of that supposition, Xi seems to believe that Putin’s military problems will in the long run work to China’s advantage. Odd Arne Westad, Foreign Affairs, 5 Apr. 2022 In a new interview with PEOPLE about her new memoir, This Far, Holker reacted to suppositions about the relationship between Boss and DeGeneres, after the TV personality joined the comedy icon's Ellen DeGeneres Show daytime series as its resident DJ in 2014. EW.com, 5 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for supposition

Word History

Etymology

Middle English supposicioun, from Anglo-French supposicion, from Late Latin supposition-, suppositio, from Latin, act of placing beneath, from supponere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of supposition was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Supposition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/supposition. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

supposition

noun
sup·​po·​si·​tion ˌsəp-ə-ˈzish-ən How to pronounce supposition (audio)
1
: something that is supposed
2
: the act of supposing
suppositional
-ˈzish-nəl How to pronounce supposition (audio)
-ən-ᵊl
adjective

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