theorize

verb

the·​o·​rize ˈthē-ə-ˌrīz How to pronounce theorize (audio)
ˈthir-ˌīz
theorized; theorizing
Synonyms of theorizenext

intransitive verb

: to form a theory : speculate

transitive verb

1
: to form a theory about
2
: to propose as a theory
theorization
ˌthē-ə-rə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce theorize (audio)
ˌthir-ə-
noun
theorizer noun

Examples of theorize in a Sentence

Many scientists have theorized about the possibility of life on other planets.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
California's slow vote counting caused a lot of conspiracy theorizing during the state's June primary. — Miles Parks, NPR, 19 Oct. 2026 Zhang and his colleagues theorize that this reaction might help plants avoid pathogens, similar to the way unpleasant smells help animals steer clear of rotten food. — Joanna Thompson, Scientific American, 17 Oct. 2026 Because light travels faster through glass than electric signals through copper, it’s long been theorized that replacing traditional cables in data centers with fiber optics equipment could speed computing and slow power consumption. — Rob Pegoraro, Time, 15 Oct. 2026 Despite this rainbow of white dwarfs, the team theorizes that white is still the most common color for these stellar corpses. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for theorize

Word History

First Known Use

1644, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of theorize was in 1644

Rhymes for theorize

See All Rhymes for theorize

Browse Nearby Words

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theorize
theorizer
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Cite this Entry

“Theorize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theorize. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

theorize

verb
the·​o·​rize ˈthē-ə-ˌrīz How to pronounce theorize (audio)
theorized; theorizing
: to form a theory : speculate
theorizer noun

More from Merriam-Webster on theorize

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