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 One hypothesis is that our bodies were built for a slower era. —

Shi En Kim, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Dec. 2024 There have been several hypotheses to try and explain why Mars ended up so much smaller than earth and Venus. —

Bruce Dorminey, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024 Previous observations suggested that these permanent shadows might host frozen water, an exciting hypothesis that the BepiColombo mission is set to investigate further. —

Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Jan. 2025 Some of Oppenheimer’s hypothesis may already be becoming reality. —

Alex Harring, CNBC, 10 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for hypothesis

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hypothesis

Noun

All three men were national and international icons whose assassinations — and the theories swirling around them — became the stuff of books, movies, controversy, and the pages of history itself.

— Michael Loria, USA TODAY, 24 Jan. 2025
The theory dates to An Emerging Democratic Majority, an influential 2002 book by political scientists John B. Judis and Ruy Teixeira.

— Jane Hong / Made by History, TIME, 24 Jan. 2025