speculation

noun

spec·​u·​la·​tion ˌspe-kyə-ˈlā-shən 

: 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

• adventure
• chance
• crapshoot
• enterprise
• flier
• flyer
• flutter [chiefly British]
• gamble
• throw
• venture

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

Since that selloff was mainly driven by speculation about a recession that never happened, the 2024 bounce makes sense. —Michael Foster, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024

On December 16, British street artist Banksy posted on Instagram an artwork referencing the Madonna and Child, stirring speculation to its meaning. —George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 17 Dec. 2024

There was speculation that Moss was experiencing a health trial after viewers noticed his eyes appeared yellow on a broadcast. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024

The most talked about change in the industry took place at The Estée Lauder Cos., where after months of speculation Fabrizio Freda revealed his retirement from the company, whose recent struggles have been well documented. —Kathryn Hopkins, WWD, 16 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing speculation

• anti-speculation

Kids Definition

speculation

noun

spec·​u·​la·​tion ˌspek-yə-ˈlā-shən 

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 

: 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