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

Example 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 The new study lends strong support to the South American hypothesis due to genetic likeness among P. infestans and certain related pathogens. —

Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 24 Jan. 2025 As for why lying-down blood pressure may be more telling than sitting pressure, researchers only have hypotheses. —

Ars Technica, 24 Jan. 2025 But to confirm their white dwarf hypothesis, the MIT team will need to detect gravitational waves emanating from the black hole. —

Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Jan. 2025 Autonomous agents can analyze vast datasets, generate hypotheses and assist researchers in making breakthroughs. —

Michele Zanello, Rolling Stone, 28 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for hypothesis

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hypothesis

Noun

Hayden, a Republican who left office in January, opened the investigation in the fall of 2021 amid baseless theories that fraud somehow tainted the 2020 election results in Johnson County, which went for former President Joe Biden over President Donald Trump that year.

— Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 5 Feb. 2025
However, no documents proving those theories have yet to surface or be produced, leaving the true nature of Flenory’s dealings with Cowins to speculation.

— Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 4 Feb. 2025