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 Musk was also willing to embrace even darker theories about the devastation. —

David Gilbert, WIRED, 9 Jan. 2025 Indeed, evidence suggests shareholder primacy theory doesn’t even serve the shareholders, the very agents the system aims to prioritize, very well. —

Aissa Dearing, JSTOR Daily, 9 Jan. 2025 The theory is one of many being pursed by law enforcement and investigators are working to determine if the string of recent burglaries are connected and if so, who might be responsible. —

Robert Legare, CBS News, 31 Dec. 2024 One theory was that the shift reflected voters’ unhappiness with local Democratic leaders amid high prices, homelessness and migrant waves in their cities. —

The Upshot Staff, New York Times, 30 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for theory