Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary
theory (noun)1.
the analysis of a set of facts in their relation to one another
2.
abstract thought - speculation
3.
the general or abstract of a body of fact, a science, or an art - principles music theory
4.
a) a belief, policy, or procedure proposed or followed as the basis of action - her method is based on the theory that all children want to learn
b) an ideal or hypothetical set of facts, principles, or circumstances - often used in the phrase in theory in theory, we have always advocated freedom for all
5.
a or scientifically acceptable general principle or body of principles offered to explain phenomena - plausible the wave theory of light
6.
a) a hypothesis assumed for the sake of argument or investigation
b) an unproved assumption - conjecture
c) a body of presenting a concise systematic view of a subject - theorems theory of equations hypothesis
Merriam-Webster Online Thesaurus
theory (noun)an idea that is the starting point for making a case or conducting an investigation
SYNONIMS:
hypothesis, proposition, supposition, thesisRELATED WORDS:
assumption, concession, premise ( premiss), presumption, presupposition, theorem; conjecture, generalization, guess, guesswork, inference, speculation, surmise; proffer, proposal, suggestion; feeling, hunch, impression, inkling, notion, suspicion; abstraction, concept, conception, constructNEAR ANTONYMS:
assurance, certainty, fact, knowledge