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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Recent Examples of theory
Trump and the 'unitary executive': The presidential power theory driving his 2nd term
Special focus has been on the potential implications of the case for the Federal Reserve.
—
Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 22 May 2025
Kennedy has a long and lucrative history of promoting theories that are both unfounded (cellphones and Wi-Fi cause cancer) and dangerous (vaccines cause autism).
—Adam M. Lowenstein, The Atlantic, 21 May 2025
For example, string theory assumes a certain number of extra dimensions — a number that is not predicted by the theory itself.
—Paul Sutter, Space.com, 21 May 2025
But that dubious theory has been belied by recent announcements from Trump and his trade officials.
—David Goldman, CNN Money, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for theory
Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 22 May 2025
Kennedy has a long and lucrative history of promoting theories that are both unfounded (cellphones and Wi-Fi cause cancer) and dangerous (vaccines cause autism).
—Adam M. Lowenstein, The Atlantic, 21 May 2025
For example, string theory assumes a certain number of extra dimensions — a number that is not predicted by the theory itself.
—Paul Sutter, Space.com, 21 May 2025
But that dubious theory has been belied by recent announcements from Trump and his trade officials.
—David Goldman, CNN Money, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for theory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for theory
Noun
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However, the data doesn't seem to really support this hypothesis in manufacturing.—
Greg Rosalsky,
NPR,
27 May 2025
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For each test, include the specific messaging hypothesis, how to implement it, and how to measure results.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
Noun
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Another example is Amazon, perhaps one of the best examples of a company that has largely diversified from its original core thesis.—
Dr. Sai Balasubramanian,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
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The bullish thesis on Nvidia remains in place ahead of earnings, but analysts have questions about the company’s path forward.—
Pia Singh,
CNBC,
28 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Theory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/theory. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.
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