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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Jockeying under a watchful Eye Amid widespread speculation over who will be the next pope, theologians say the faithful look at pre-conclave jockeying as a chance for the divine to intervene in human matters. Michael Loria, USA Today, 3 May 2025 The sweet interaction comes after much ado has been made about rumors of a splintered cast, prompting mass fan speculation largely after Isaacs himself hinted to behind-the-scenes tension amid the grueling filming process, which took part for the better part of a year on-location in Thailand. Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 3 May 2025 That relationship, because of its historical import and turbulence, is a matter of frequent speculation among the media and the public. Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 2 May 2025 The futures of Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota have been the subject of speculation. James Pearce, New York Times, 2 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for speculation

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Speculation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/speculation. Accessed 9 May. 2025.

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

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