speculative

adjective

spec·​u·​la·​tive ˈspe-kyə-lə-tiv 

-ˌlā-

1

: involving, based on, or constituting intellectual speculation

also : theoretical rather than demonstrable

speculative knowledge

2

: marked by questioning curiosity

gave him a speculative glance

3

: of, relating to, or being a financial speculation

speculative stocks

speculative venture

speculatively adverb

Synonyms of speculative

• hypothetical
• theoretical
• conjectural

Examples of speculative in a Sentence

His conclusions are highly speculative.

a writer with a speculative mind

a speculative boom in housing construction

Recent Examples on the Web

While this move is largely speculative at present, the strategic importance of the Middle East to the dollar’s role as the world’s reserve currency should not be underestimated, according to Deutsche. —Joseph Wilkins, CNBC, 25 Mar. 2026

They have long been used in stock and equities markets, often for hedging or mere speculative purposes. —Malana Vantyler march 24, Charlotte Observer, 24 Mar. 2026

The migration of sovereign-grade assets into regulated digital market rails is not a speculative experiment. —Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 23 Mar. 2026

The tone stays the same whether the answer is accurate, speculative, or completely wrong. —Nick Dothée, The Atlantic, 22 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing speculative

• anti-speculative

Kids Definition

speculative

adjective

spec·​u·​la·​tive ˈspek-yə-lət-iv 

-ˌlāt-

1

a

: of or relating to mental speculation

speculative knowledge

b

: curious sense 1

a speculative glance

2

: of or relating to financial speculation

speculatively adverb

Legal Definition

speculative

adjective

spec·​u·​la·​tive ˈspe-kyə-lə-tiv, -ˌlā- 

1

: involving, based on, or constituting intellectual speculation

also : theoretical rather than demonstrable

speculative medical testimony concerning the cause of death

2

: of, relating to, or being a financial speculation

speculative securities

speculative home building

speculatively adverb