hypothesize

verb

hy·​poth·​e·​size hī-ˈpä-thə-ˌsīz How to pronounce hypothesize (audio)
hypothesized; hypothesizing

transitive verb

: to adopt as a hypothesis

Examples of hypothesize in a Sentence

Psychologists hypothesized that his odd behavior was caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. if we hypothesize that current population trends continue for the next 50 years
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
In fact, birds are so critical to the success of their habitats that they are hypothesized to have played a key role in structuring remote ecosystems over deep time. Kate Wong, Scientific American, 16 Sep. 2025 As law enforcement continue the search, online sleuths began hypothesizing about the suspect's escape from the scene, leading some to the Provo Airport (PVU), a public-use regional airfield less than 15 minutes drive from UVU’s campus. Colson Thayer, People.com, 11 Sep. 2025 Butler hypothesized that Brodak suffered from borderline personality disorder, despite Brodak having never received a formal diagnosis. Sarah Adler september 8, Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2025 Overall, Christopher hypothesizes that the difference in outcomes varied because more active athletes stayed stronger than those who had to — or chose to — decrease their activity. Starre Vartan, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hypothesize

Word History

First Known Use

1738, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of hypothesize was in 1738

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Cite this Entry

“Hypothesize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hypothesize. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

hypothesize

verb
hy·​poth·​e·​size hī-ˈpäth-ə-ˌsīz How to pronounce hypothesize (audio)
hypothesized; hypothesizing
1
: to make a hypothesis
2
: to adopt as a hypothesis
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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