as in hypothesis
an idea that is the starting point for making a case or conducting an investigation
set out to prove her theory that people can't really taste any difference between colas, so they buy according to the product's image
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 theory
An incident during the race in Barcelona last weekend prompted Schumacher to suggest a theory that could see Verstappen part ways with the Milton Keynes outfit.
—
Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 June 2025
Few comedies have multiple international remakes, and Harrison outlined his theory on why Ghosts has been a format success.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 3 June 2025
Mamma Mia! dad theory that’s been lingering for years.
—Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 2 June 2025
Russian sources, however, have suggested a third theory: that Portnov might have held compromising material on current Ukrainian officials.
—Katya Soldak, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for theory
Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 June 2025
Few comedies have multiple international remakes, and Harrison outlined his theory on why Ghosts has been a format success.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 3 June 2025
Mamma Mia! dad theory that’s been lingering for years.
—Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 2 June 2025
Russian sources, however, have suggested a third theory: that Portnov might have held compromising material on current Ukrainian officials.
—Katya Soldak, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for theory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for theory
Noun
-
The best evidence for this hypothesis comes from micro-caps.—
Shivaram Rajgopal,
Forbes.com,
8 June 2025
-
This hypothesis, formulated by the mineralogist Robert Hazen and the astrobiologist Michael Wong of the Carnegie Institution in Washington, DC, along with a team of others, has provoked intense debate.—
Philip Ball,
Wired News,
8 June 2025
Noun
-
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
Cite this Entry
“Theory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/theory. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share