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.
Earlier this summer, speculation regarding Ariana Grande’s weight and body image reached a fever pitch after the singer announced her retreat from public life following the ending of her ongoing tour next week. — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 27 Aug. 2026 On Wednesday, Variety published a story noting that a slate of high-profile clients has departed from UTA, putting the agency on edge and leading to speculation about whether other big names will jump to rival agencies. — Max Tani, semafor.com, 26 Aug. 2026 The Netflix executives did not expand on the speculation on stage, but the lack of a denial leaves open the door for the Suits actress to join Guy Ritchie’s drama. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026 There was a great deal of speculation about the paternity of Dannielynn after Smith’s death. — Imani Sumbi, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 Aug. 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 1 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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