speculation

noun

spec·​u·​la·​tion ˌspe-kyə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce speculation (audio)
: 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

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.
Your public profile grew quite significantly during the last album cycle, accompanied by speculation around your love life. Liam Hess, Vogue, 21 Feb. 2025 Other actors featured in the 007 speculation cycle include Happy Valley star James Norton and Snowfall’s Damson Idris. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 20 Feb. 2025 This rare outing comes as Richards, 56, and Wade, 30, have been spending more time together amid relationship speculation. Liza Esquibias, People.com, 20 Feb. 2025 Late last week, employees at the National Nuclear Security Administration received layoff letters that were rescinded hours later, fueling speculation that DOGE backtracked after realizing the key role the workers played in maintaining the U.S. nuclear stockpile. Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Speculation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/speculation. Accessed 2 Mar. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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