speculation

noun

spec·​u·​la·​tion ˌspe-kyə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce speculation (audio)
Synonyms of speculation
: an act or instance of speculating: such as
a
: assumption of unusual business risk in hopes of obtaining commensurate gain
b
: a transaction involving such speculation

Synonyms of speculation

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Examples of speculation in a Sentence

He dismissed their theories as mere speculation. The book is just a lot of idle speculation about the future. Her speculations leave many questions unanswered. He lost everything in foolish land speculation.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In a call with analysts on Tuesday after PayPal reported its second-quarter results, Lores reiterated the company doesn’t comment on market speculation or potential merger and acquisition discussions. — Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026 Amid speculation that Fetterman may abandon Democrats, Schumer this week urged his colleague to remain in the party, arguing that there is room for widely divergent political views in the Senate caucus. — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 29 July 2026 This isn’t speculation, but rather something already postulated by Infantino during the 2026 edition. — Patrick Sung Cuadrado, CNN Money, 29 July 2026 In the absence of regular public updates from McConnell himself, speculation about his condition has grown online. — Joey Cappelletti, Fortune, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for speculation

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of speculation was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing speculation

Rhymes for speculation

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Browse Nearby Words

speculate
speculation
speculatist
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Cite this Entry

“Speculation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/speculation. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

speculation

noun
spec·​u·​la·​tion ˌspek-yə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce speculation (audio)
1
: thoughts or guesses about something
much speculation about who the new teacher would be
2
: the taking of a big risk in business in hopes of making a big profit

Legal Definition

speculation

noun
spec·​u·​la·​tion ˌspe-kyə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce speculation (audio)
: an act or instance of speculating: as
a
: assumption of unusual business risk in hopes of obtaining commensurate gain
b
: a transaction involving such speculation

More from Merriam-Webster on speculation

Nglish: Translation of speculation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about speculation

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