THEORY Synonyms: 35 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'theory' differ from other similar words?

The words hypothesis and law are common synonyms of theory . While all three words mean "a formula derived by inference from scientific data that explains a principle operating in nature," theory implies a greater range of evidence and greater likelihood of truth. // the theory of evolution

Q: When would 'hypothesis' be a good substitute for 'theory'?

Although the words hypothesis and theory have much in common, hypothesis implies insufficient evidence to provide more than a tentative explanation. // a hypothesis explaining the extinction of the dinosaurs

Q: When might 'law' be a better fit than 'theory'?

The meanings of law and theory largely overlap; however, 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

theory

noun

ˈthē-ə-rē

Definition of theory next

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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How does the noun theory differ from other similar words?

The words hypothesis and law are common synonyms of theory. While all three words mean "a formula derived by inference from scientific data that explains a principle operating in nature," theory implies a greater range of evidence and greater likelihood of truth.

the theory of evolution

When would hypothesis be a good substitute for theory?

Although the words hypothesis and theory have much in common, hypothesis implies insufficient evidence to provide more than a tentative explanation.

a hypothesis explaining the extinction of the dinosaurs

When might law be a better fit than theory?

The meanings of law and theory largely overlap; however, 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

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of theory Given the novelty of these suits, however, that theory remains mostly untested — as do some other, more dramatic claims. —

Adi Robertson, The Verge, 10 Dec. 2024 Jason, 49, the oldest of Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter’s 22 grandchildren, shared his theories for how his grandfather continues to defy the odds in a recent appearance on the podcast Politically Georgia by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. —

Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 9 Dec. 2024 On With the Orbit Theory Unlike the Orbit Basic, a cue lever is standard equipment on the Orbit theory. —

Brad Moon, Forbes, 1 Dec. 2024 Mere talk of tariffs will spur some consumers to run out and buy big-ticket items, or stockpile smaller ones, on the theory that prices will soon rise. —

Daniel De Visé, USA TODAY, 1 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for theory