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.
Based on the altar’s design, researchers hypothesize that its creator was a highly skilled artisan from Teotihuacán, located in present-day Mexico—more than 600 miles away from Tikal. Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Apr. 2025 Some researchers hypothesize that the medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) found in coconut oil may help with weight loss. Sherri Gordon, Health, 13 Apr. 2025 The researchers hypothesize that the canoeists tapped into sea currents and winds to propel them to their destination. Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 9 Apr. 2025 Wakefield and co-authors hypothesized that intestinal inflammation after the MMR vaccine released gut proteins that eventually migrated to the brain, causing damage that was reflected in autism symptoms. Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes, 8 Mar. 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 28 Apr. 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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