theory

• "an organized system of accepted knowledge that applies in a variety of circumstances to explain a specific set of phenomena"
• "theories can incorporate facts and laws and tested hypotheses"
• "true in fact and theory"

• "a concept that is not yet verified but that if true would explain certain facts or phenomena"
• "a scientific hypothesis that survives experimental testing becomes a scientific theory"
• "he proposed a fresh theory of alkalis that later was accepted in chemical practices"

Synonyms

• hypothesisa proposal intended to explain certain facts or observations ; a tentative insight into the natural world; a message expressing an opinion based on incomplete evidence
• possibilitya future prospect or potential; capability of existing or happening or being true; a tentative insight into the natural world; a possible alternative

• "the architect has a theory that more is less"
• "they killed him on the theory that dead men tell no tales"