Synonyms for theory
Most common
All synonyms
Noun
1. Hypothesis
hypothesis, supposition, conjecture, assumption, postulate, speculation, possibility, surmise
Definitions
- n. 1
A description of an event or system that is considered to be accurate.
Forms
- Plural
- theories → hypotheses, suppositions, conjectures, assumptions…
Choose the right word
Theory is used of the mental coordination of facts and principles, that may or may not prove correct; a machine may be perfect in theory, but useless in fact. Scheme may be used as nearly equivalent to theory, but is more frequently applied to proposed action, and in the sense of a somewhat visionary plan.
J. C. Fernald, English Synonyms and Antonyms (1914)
Example sentences
- assumption I proceed on the assumption that anger is idolatry.
- hypothesis Tom designed an experiment to test his hypothesis.
- conjecture In any case, you are wrong in your conjecture.
- supposition This supposition is essentially correct.
- idea The very idea of being sent abroad delighted them.
- scheme The main feature of this scheme is still ambiguous.
Popularity over time
| Word | 1850 → 2019 | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| theory | steady | |
| assumption | steady | |
| hypothesis | steady | |
| conjecture | steady | |
| supposition | falling | |
| idea | rising |
Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.
By length
- 4 letters
- idea3
- 6 letters
- scheme1, joseki
- 7 letters
- opinion3, surmise2
- 8 letters
- doctrine2, theorism
- 9 letters
- rationale3, postulate3
- 10 letters
- assumption3, hypothesis4, conjecture3
- 11 letters
- possibility5, explanation4, speculation4, supposition4
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (idea3 = 3 syllables).