Meaning & use

thesis

noun·Academic

The central claim that a piece of writing develops and supports.

See it in a sentence

The essay's thesis is that the city needs more shaded public spaces.

She revised her thesis after finding evidence that challenged it.

A note on using this word

A thesis states an arguable claim rather than merely naming a topic. The plural is theses.

Words with a similar meaning

central claim

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Another way to use it

2. noun

A substantial research paper written as part of a degree.

He completed a thesis on changes in coastal habitats.

Make it your own

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