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.
There is no shortage of speculation, as Hobaiter and Dominy summarise in their paper. — Mike McRae 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026 That left Apple’s stock vulnerable to rumors and speculation about Jobs’ health after the company disclosed his cancer diagnosis in 2004. — Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2026 For weeks, the Panthers had talked about the competition between Claudin Cherelus and Trevin Wallace at inside linebacker and there was speculation as to which guy would win that role. — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 2 Sep. 2026 The controversy over Cusk’s Life of M began before the novel’s publication in August 2026, with speculation that its actress character, M, was based on Natalie Portman. — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for speculation

Word History

Etymology

Middle English speculacioun "contemplation, reasoning, theorizing," borrowed from Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French speculacion "observation, abstract thinking, theorizing," borrowed from Late Latin speculātiōn-, speculātiō "observation point, speculative thought," from Latin speculārī "to keep a close watch on, observe" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at speculate

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 4 Sep. 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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about speculation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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