SPECULATE Synonyms: 34 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'speculate' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of speculate are cogitate , deliberate , reason , reflect , and think . While all these words mean "to use one's powers of conception, judgment, or inference," speculate implies reasoning about things theoretical or problematic. // speculated on the fate of the lost explorers

Q: When can 'cogitate' be used instead of 'speculate'?

In some situations, the words cogitate and speculate are roughly equivalent. However, cogitate implies deep or intent thinking. // cogitated on the mysteries of nature

Q: When would 'deliberate' be a good substitute for 'speculate'?

The synonyms deliberate and speculate are sometimes interchangeable, but deliberate suggests slow or careful reasoning before forming an opinion or reaching a conclusion or decision. // the jury deliberated for five hours

Q: Where would 'reason' be a reasonable alternative to 'speculate'?

Although the words reason and speculate have much in common, reason stresses consecutive logical thinking. // able to reason brilliantly in debate

Q: When might 'reflect' be a better fit than 'speculate'?

While the synonyms reflect and speculate are close in meaning, reflect suggests unhurried consideration of something recalled to the mind. // reflecting on fifty years of married life

Q: In what contexts can 'think' take the place of 'speculate'?

The meanings of think and speculate largely overlap; however, think is general and may apply to any mental activity, but used alone often suggests attainment of clear ideas or conclusions. // teaches students how to think

speculate

verb

ˈspe-kyə-ˌlāt

Definition of speculate next

as in to guess

to form an opinion from little or no evidence I speculate that someone has been using this cabin as a trysting place

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How is the word speculate different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of speculate are cogitate, deliberate, reason, reflect, and think. While all these words mean "to use one's powers of conception, judgment, or inference," speculate implies reasoning about things theoretical or problematic.

speculated on the fate of the lost explorers

When can cogitate be used instead of speculate?

In some situations, the words cogitate and speculate are roughly equivalent. However, cogitate implies deep or intent thinking.

cogitated on the mysteries of nature

When would deliberate be a good substitute for speculate?

The synonyms deliberate and speculate are sometimes interchangeable, but deliberate suggests slow or careful reasoning before forming an opinion or reaching a conclusion or decision.

the jury deliberated for five hours

Where would reason be a reasonable alternative to speculate?

Although the words reason and speculate have much in common, reason stresses consecutive logical thinking.

able to reason brilliantly in debate

When might reflect be a better fit than speculate?

While the synonyms reflect and speculate are close in meaning, reflect suggests unhurried consideration of something recalled to the mind.

reflecting on fifty years of married life

In what contexts can think take the place of speculate?

The meanings of think and speculate largely overlap; however, think is general and may apply to any mental activity, but used alone often suggests attainment of clear ideas or conclusions.

teaches students how to think

Examples of speculate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Fans have previously speculated about Kelce's outfits being connected to Swift, 34, and her Taylor's Version albums. —

Marina Watts, People.com, 27 Oct. 2024 What to watch: Collins is up for re-election in 2026, and Axios is already hearing from sources speculating about whether the 71-year-old will stick around for another term. —

Stef W. Kight, Axios, 27 Oct. 2024 After aiding Russia in its war against Ukraine, analysts have speculated that Iran is now looking for payback and support from Russia in its own hour of need, although the form this might take is uncertain. —

Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2024 Legal experts have speculated that the Pennsylvania challenge will turn out similarly to the ones in Michigan and North Carolina, as the lawsuit was filed after state officials began sending out ballots to overseas voters. —

Kaelan Deese, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 22 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for speculate

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'speculate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.