thesis statement

American  

[thee-sis stayt-muhnt] / ˈθi sɪs ˌsteɪt mənt /

noun

• thesis statements
  plural

1. a short statement, usually one sentence, that summarizes the main point or claim of an essay, research paper, etc., and is developed, supported, and explained in the text by means of examples and evidence.

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Usage

What is a thesis statement? In academic writing, a thesis statement is generally a sentence or two that summarizes the main point that an essay, research paper, or speech is making. It is typically located at the end of the introductory paragraph(s). Thesis statements are kind of like roadmaps, laying out for the reader/listener where the writer/speaker is headed (argument) and how they are going to get there (evidence). The thesis statement is widely taught in the humanities, especially in English classes in high school and college, to teach students how to make persuasive arguments that cite and analyze evidence and examples researched from literary, historical, or other texts.

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• thesis statements
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of thesis statement

First recorded in 1945–50

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

thesis statement

Berlant’s a tenured professor at the Make-‘Em-Laugh Institute, and “Parmesan” proves her research-driven thesis statement time and again: There’s no bad mood a good clown can’t improve.

From Salon ● Oct. 16, 2026

The opening “I Feel So Free” is the thesis statement, framing the club as a place that dissolves ego, lessens anxiety, and offers a portal to communal bliss.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 7, 2026

There’s no thesis statement in “King Lear,” you know what I mean?

From Seattle Times ● Jan. 31, 2024

Thus came the thesis statement of Lavoe’s sardonically titled comeback album “Comedia”: the dark, confessional salsa piece “El Cantante,” in which Lavoe lamented the psychological cost of pop stardom.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 17, 2023

“It depends on how you frame it. What's your angle, your thesis statement? What are you trying to say?”

From "Pride" by Ibi Zoboi

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