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
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
There has been speculation, anyway, about what the band might do to celebrate the Dead’s 60th anniversary.
—
Chris Willman, Variety, 22 June 2024
There is always some speculation about replacing the running mate for a reelection campaign, but there was no serious effort to dislodge either Pence or Harris in their reelection cycle.
—Ron Elving, NPR, 22 June 2024
In Panthers fans’ group chats there was speculation when and where the championship parade might be held.
—Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 22 June 2024
The speculation was usually centered on three factors.
—Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for speculation 
Chris Willman, Variety, 22 June 2024
There is always some speculation about replacing the running mate for a reelection campaign, but there was no serious effort to dislodge either Pence or Harris in their reelection cycle.
—Ron Elving, NPR, 22 June 2024
In Panthers fans’ group chats there was speculation when and where the championship parade might be held.
—Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 22 June 2024
The speculation was usually centered on three factors.
—Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for speculation
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'speculation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near speculation
Cite this Entry
“Speculation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/speculation. Accessed 4 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share