THEORY Synonyms: 35 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'theory' differ from other similar words?

The words hypothesis and law are common synonyms of theory . While all three words mean "a formula derived by inference from scientific data that explains a principle operating in nature," theory implies a greater range of evidence and greater likelihood of truth. // the theory of evolution

Q: When would 'hypothesis' be a good substitute for 'theory'?

Although the words hypothesis and theory have much in common, hypothesis implies insufficient evidence to provide more than a tentative explanation. // a hypothesis explaining the extinction of the dinosaurs

Q: When might 'law' be a better fit than 'theory'?

The meanings of law and theory largely overlap; however, 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

theory

noun

ˈthē-ə-rē

Definition of theory next

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

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How does the noun theory differ from other similar words?

The words hypothesis and law are common synonyms of theory. While all three words mean "a formula derived by inference from scientific data that explains a principle operating in nature," theory implies a greater range of evidence and greater likelihood of truth.

the theory of evolution

When would hypothesis be a good substitute for theory?

Although the words hypothesis and theory have much in common, hypothesis implies insufficient evidence to provide more than a tentative explanation.

a hypothesis explaining the extinction of the dinosaurs

When might law be a better fit than theory?

The meanings of law and theory largely overlap; however, 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

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of theory The ability to drag fringe ideas and theories into mainstream political discourse has long been a hallmark of X, even back when it was known as Twitter. —

Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 5 Nov. 2024 One popular, gruesome theory has it that a truck ran her over and then sped away, but what happened for sure, no one can tell. —

Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 4 Nov. 2024 Jurors in murder trial of former Ohio police officer offered contrasting theories in killing of Andre Hill Coy's attorney, Mark Collins, slammed the state's case, saying prosecutors did not prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt. —

Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 4 Nov. 2024 Boulanger, Jones would often later say, drilled into him an appreciation for the endless possibilities contained within the confines of music theory. —

Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for theory