Thesis — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈthē-səs/ the·sis

Meaning & Definition of Thesis

Thesis (noun)

  1. a dissertation (as by a candidate for an academic degree) presenting results of original research and usually providing evidence to support a specific view
  2. an idea put forth for discussion or proof, hypothesis
  3. a central idea or theme (as of an artistic work)

Thesis (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. an idea or opinion that is put forth in a discussion or debate

    "put forth the thesis that the electronic media's coverage of politics trivializes the workings of our democracy"

    similar: argument, assertion, contention
    related: conjecture, guess, hunch, hypothesis, speculation, surmise, theory, proposal, proposition, assumption, presupposition, supposition, position, stand, case, explanation, rationale, reason

  2. an idea that is the starting point for making a case or conducting an investigation

    "it is not clear how the arguments you make actually support your thesis"

    similar: hypothesis, proposition, supposition, theory
    related: assumption, concession, premise, presumption, presupposition, theorem, conjecture, generalization, guess, guesswork, inference, speculation, surmise, proffer, proposal, suggestion, feeling, hunch, impression, inkling, notion, suspicion, abstraction, concept, conception, construct
    near: assurance, certainty, fact, knowledge

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Thesis

The most common words with a similar meaning to Thesis:

argument, assertion, contention, hypothesis, proposition, supposition, theory

Related Words for Thesis

conjecture, guess, hunch, speculation, surmise, proposal, assumption, presupposition, position, stand, case, explanation, rationale, reason, concession, premise, presumption, theorem, generalization, guesswork, inference, proffer, suggestion, feeling, impression, inkling, notion, suspicion, abstraction, concept

Near Antonyms of Thesis

assurance, certainty, fact, knowledge

Word Forms of Thesis

Inflections: theses

Origin & Etymology of Thesis

in sense 3, Middle English, lowering of the voice, from Late Latin & Greek; Late Latin, from Greek, downbeat, more important part of a foot, literally, act of laying down; in other senses, Latin, from Greek, literally, act of laying down, from tithenai to put, lay down do

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Thesis

Frequently Asked Questions about Thesis

What does "Thesis" mean?

"Thesis" means a dissertation (as by a candidate for an academic degree) presenting results of original research and usually providing evidence to support a specific view. As a noun, it is defined as: a dissertation (as by a candidate for an academic degree) presenting results of original research and usually providing evidence to support a specific view. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Thesis"?

Other words for "Thesis" include argument, assertion, contention, hypothesis, proposition, supposition and theory. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Thesis" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Thesis"?

There are 39 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Thesis". Common alternatives include argument, assertion, contention, hypothesis, proposition, supposition and theory.

How do you use "Thesis" in a sentence?

Examples of "Thesis" in a sentence: "put forth the thesis that the electronic media's coverage of politics trivializes the workings of our democracy"; "it is not clear how the arguments you make actually support your thesis".

Is "Thesis" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Thesis" is a noun.

Is "Thesis" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Thesis" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+. It is on the Academic Word List, so it appears often in IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and university texts.

How do you pronounce "Thesis"?

"Thesis" is pronounced /ˈthē-səs/ and divided into syllables as the·sis.

What is the origin of the word "Thesis"?

"Thesis" comes from in sense 3, Middle English, lowering of the voice, from Late Latin & Greek; Late Latin, from Greek, downbeat, more important part of a foot, literally, act of laying down; in other senses, Latin, from Greek, literally, act of laying down, from tithenai to put, lay down do. First known use: 14th century.