A scientific theory is a well-supported explanation backed up by empirical evidence, which can be tested repeatedly through observations and experiments. Synonyms for scientific theory may include a hypothesis, a model, or a paradigm. A hypothesis is an idea or prediction that is yet to be fully tested and verified. A model is a simplified version of a theory that aims to explain how something works, typically used in fields such as physics and engineering. A paradigm, on the other hand, is a set of fundamental assumptions and concepts that shapes how a particular field of scientific inquiry operates. Regardless of the synonyms used, scientific theories share the same aim: to provide a deeper understanding of the natural world through rigorous and systematic exploration.