theorize
Americanverb (used without object)
verb (used with object)
verb
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of theorize
From the Medieval Latin word theōrizāre, dating back to 1630–40. See theory, -ize
Explanation
When you theorize, you come up with an explanation for how something happens, based on ideas that can be tested. You may theorize that your dog is afraid of loud noises after you see her cower under the bed during fireworks and thunderstorms. When someone theorizes, they're not just making a wild guess. They're forming a theory, or a testable explanation that they can confirm through experimentation. After a scientist theorizes and the theory sticks around and is tested again and again in a rigorous way, it becomes an "established theory," like the theory of gravity or plate tectonics theory. The Greek root theorein means "to consider, speculate, or look at."
Vocabulary lists containing theorize
Think Tank: Thought-Provoking Vocabulary
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The Martian Chronicles
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Tracking Trash
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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.
Some theorize that women more effectively cultivated their alone time during the pandemic, choosing to develop new skills or prioritize self-care.
From Salon • Mar. 8, 2026
Reappropriation works, the researchers theorize, because it signals confidence and humor on the part of the brand, especially when the insult seems mild or unjustified.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026
When faced with a particularly puzzling case and not much evidence to go on, Sherlock Holmes once said, “It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data.”
From Barron's • Nov. 13, 2025
And because it’s socially acceptable for women to get work done, some even theorize that having Instagram Face denotes success and upward mobility.
From Slate • Sep. 21, 2024
Scientists theorize that the first “eyes” were nothing more than a pigmented, light-sensitive spot on the skin of some ancient creature.
From "The Sun Is Also a Star" by Nicola Yoon
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
