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
Another example is Amazon, perhaps one of the best examples of a company that has largely diversified from its original core thesis.
—
Dr. Sai Balasubramanian, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
The bullish thesis on Nvidia remains in place ahead of earnings, but analysts have questions about the company’s path forward.
—Pia Singh, CNBC, 28 May 2025
Alex Rollins Berg builds on this thesis in the latest piece for his Underexposed substack, explaining how movie clubs like NYC’s Seneca Cinemas may be creating new cultural hubs between neighbors.
4.
—Dana Harris-Bridson, IndieWire, 27 May 2025
The thesis that was the culmination of his studies in Rome quite literally gathered dust on university library shelves, just another record of another graduate student’s extensive studies.
—Ruth Graham, New York Times, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for thesis
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Dr. Sai Balasubramanian, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
The bullish thesis on Nvidia remains in place ahead of earnings, but analysts have questions about the company’s path forward.
—Pia Singh, CNBC, 28 May 2025
Alex Rollins Berg builds on this thesis in the latest piece for his Underexposed substack, explaining how movie clubs like NYC’s Seneca Cinemas may be creating new cultural hubs between neighbors.
4.
—Dana Harris-Bridson, IndieWire, 27 May 2025
The thesis that was the culmination of his studies in Rome quite literally gathered dust on university library shelves, just another record of another graduate student’s extensive studies.
—Ruth Graham, New York Times, 22 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 9 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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