hypothesize

verb

hy·​poth·​e·​size hī-ˈpä-thə-ˌsīz 

hypothesized; hypothesizing

intransitive verb

: to make a hypothesis

transitive verb

: to adopt as a hypothesis

Synonyms of hypothesize

• say
• assume
• presume
• believe
• think

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

This unique trait has led planetary scientists to hypothesize that the asteroid formed in the frigid outer solar system and migrated inward early in the solar system's history. — Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 12 Oct. 2026

The only earlier object hypothesized to be a club has been found in Kalambo Falls in Zambia and is roughly 400,000 years old. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 9 Oct. 2026

Researchers have hypothesized numerous ways that prenatal exercise may affect offspring. — Diego Hernandez-Saavedra, The Conversation, 7 Oct. 2026

The researchers had hypothesized that, in the mixing of fluids in large natural systems, turbulence generated by tiny organisms plays an underappreciated role. — Stephen Ornes, Quanta Magazine, 2 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1738, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Rhymes for hypothesize

• actualize
• antagonize
• apologise
• apologize
• capitalize
• categorize
• characterize
• commercialize
• conceptualize
• contrariwise
• criminalize
• decentralize

Kids Definition

hypothesize

verb

hy·​poth·​e·​size hī-ˈpäth-ə-ˌsīz 

hypothesized; hypothesizing

1

: to make a hypothesis

2

: to adopt as a hypothesis