plural theses
ˈthē-ˌsēz 
1
: a dissertation embodying results of original research and especially substantiating a specific view
especially
: one written by a candidate for an academic degree
2
a
: a proposition to be proved or one advanced without proof : hypothesis
b
: a position or proposition that a person (such as a candidate for scholastic honors) advances and offers to maintain by argument
3
4
: the first and least adequate stage of dialectic compare synthesis
Did you know?
In high school, college, or graduate school, students often have to write a thesis on a topic in their major field of study. In many fields, a final thesis is the biggest challenge involved in getting a master's degree, and the same is true for students studying for a Ph.D. (a Ph.D. thesis is often called a dissertation). But a thesis may also be an idea; so in the course of the paper the student may put forth several theses (notice the plural form) and attempt to prove them.
Examples of thesis in a Sentence
She wrote her thesis on Renaissance Nativity scenes.
a master's thesis on the effects of global warming
New evidence supports his thesis.
We disagreed with the basic thesis of the report.
The book's central thesis is that propaganda influences the masses in important ways.
Recent Examples on the Web
The significant investment in Anthropic validates a new thesis: Building safe and aligned AI is not just ethical but a compelling investment opportunity.
—
Elena Volotovskaya, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
In addition to the 27 films screening at CIFF, the fest will feature a section titled the Student Film Corner, a place for college students in Croatia and neighboring countries to screen their thesis films.
—Addie Morfoot, Variety, 3 June 2025
This a novel in the form of an MFA thesis, written to expose a revolving door of love affairs of the professors who are reading it, not to mention the graduate student who wrote it.
—Emily Temple
may 27, Literary Hub, 27 May 2025
Over his long life and career the director made several films exploring historical guilt and complicity, often with a bold and provocative thesis and a willingness to prod his subjects into uncomfortable territory.
—Andrew Lapin, Sun Sentinel, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for thesis
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Elena Volotovskaya, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
In addition to the 27 films screening at CIFF, the fest will feature a section titled the Student Film Corner, a place for college students in Croatia and neighboring countries to screen their thesis films.
—Addie Morfoot, Variety, 3 June 2025
This a novel in the form of an MFA thesis, written to expose a revolving door of love affairs of the professors who are reading it, not to mention the graduate student who wrote it.
—Emily Temple
may 27, Literary Hub, 27 May 2025
Over his long life and career the director made several films exploring historical guilt and complicity, often with a bold and provocative thesis and a willingness to prod his subjects into uncomfortable territory.
—Andrew Lapin, Sun Sentinel, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for thesis
Cite this Entry
“Thesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thesis. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
thesis
noun
the·sis
ˈthē-səs
plural theses
ˈthē-ˌsēz
1
: a statement put forth for discussion or proof : hypothesis
2
: a long essay presenting the results of original research
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