Crossword Genius

Believers embracing alternative thinkers (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

theorists

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'thinkers' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being plural nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'believers embracing alternative' is the wordplay.
'believers' becomes 'theists' (theist is a kind of believer).
'embracing' indicates putting letters inside.
'alternative' becomes 'or'.
'theists' going around 'or' is 'THEORISTS'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for theorists that I've seen before include "those who speculate" , "speculators" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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