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Definitions

theory

[thee-uh-ree, theer-ee] / ˈθi ə ri, ˈθɪər i /
NOUN
hypothesis, belief
Synonyms
STRONGEST
approach argument assumption code concept doctrine idea ideology method philosophy plan position premise proposal provision rationale scheme speculation suspicion system thesis understanding
STRONG
base basis codification conditions conjecture dogma feeling foundation grounds guess guesswork hunch impression outlook postulate presentiment presumption shot stab supposal supposition surmise theorem
WEAK
formularization suppose systemization
Antonyms
STRONGEST
disbelief fact information reality truth
STRONG
calculation knowledge measurement proof
WEAK
certainty

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

One theory was that Ford suffered from tunnel vision.

From Slate • Apr. 6, 2026

Evolutionary theory is no longer heretical, Galileo has been issued a hall pass to heaven, and quite a few sincere if entirely inadequate apologies have been issued, mostly to people long dead.

From Salon • Apr. 5, 2026

The philosophical bent of Palantir came from Karp, who holds a Ph.D. in neoclassical social theory from Goethe University Frankfurt in Germany.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 4, 2026

"By combining theory with our experimental ability to precisely control surface terminations, we open a new path toward MXenes with improved stability and tailored functional properties," concludes Ghorbani-Asl.

From Science Daily • Apr. 4, 2026

This was not entirely true, of course, since in theory Penelope could have left Cassiopeia in the care of Margaret or one of the other housemaids.

From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.