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
Despite speculation that Halle was pregnant throughout 2023, the singer and DDG notably kept her pregnancy under wraps until her Instagram reveal.
—
Mckinley Franklin, Peoplemag, 11 June 2024
While any number of factors could be causing such struggles, one point of speculation has centered on Betts’ defensive workload — and whether all of his efforts to learn shortstop are hampering him in any way at the plate.
—Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2024
Many experts also point to TikTok as the source of the wildest rumors and speculation about sunscreen.
—Keren Landman, Vox, 10 June 2024
For example, in the ‘60s and ‘70s there was speculation that computers would replace workers.
—Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for speculation 
Mckinley Franklin, Peoplemag, 11 June 2024
While any number of factors could be causing such struggles, one point of speculation has centered on Betts’ defensive workload — and whether all of his efforts to learn shortstop are hampering him in any way at the plate.
—Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2024
Many experts also point to TikTok as the source of the wildest rumors and speculation about sunscreen.
—Keren Landman, Vox, 10 June 2024
For example, in the ‘60s and ‘70s there was speculation that computers would replace workers.
—Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 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 17 Jun. 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
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