speculation

noun

spec·​u·​la·​tion ˌspe-kyə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce speculation (audio)
: 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

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 Gregory Keating, professor of law and philosophy with the USC Gould School of Law, said there’s a lot of speculation about how those autonomous vehicles will fit into existing law. Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2024 Henry landed in Puerto Rico on Tuesday after days of speculation about his whereabouts. Caitlin Stephen Hu, CNN, 6 Mar. 2024 Prince William isn't going to feed into speculation about the health and whereabouts of his wife, Kate Middleton. Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 6 Mar. 2024 In response to this speculation, a spokesman reiterated on Feb. 29 that Kate would not be resuming public engagements until after Easter. Simon Perry, Peoplemag, 6 Mar. 2024 Initially, there was speculation among fans that the duet between Pearce and Hurd would appear on one of the two country star’s upcoming albums. Kyle Denis, Billboard, 4 Mar. 2024 The speculation also coincided with a sudden increase in plays of Fifth Harmony’s music over the last month. Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 1 Mar. 2024 Or perhaps, Ivanka Trump could enjoy proximity to power in other ways, with Vanity Fair reporting on speculation that her business mogul husband, Jared Kushner, is in the running to be named Secretary of State in a second Trump term. Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 1 Mar. 2024 After months of speculation, it’s now reported that the Four Seasons Koh Samui is a filming location, as well as a second hotel in Phuket, Anantara Mai Khao Villas. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 1 Mar. 2024

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.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of speculation was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near speculation

Cite this Entry

“Speculation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/speculation. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

speculation

noun
spec·​u·​la·​tion ˌspek-yə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce speculation (audio)
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 How to pronounce speculation (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on speculation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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