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 of speculation

• gamble
• venture
• chance

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

If the deal makes, this will end nearly two weeks of speculation about the film’s fate. — Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 30 June 2026

The combination has led to speculation over who will run CNN, and the uncertainty is said to have played a factor in Reid’s decision. — Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026

Karamo Brown opened up about his love life amid speculation the reality-TV personality is dating actor Jussie Smollett. — Edward Segarra, USA Today, 1 July 2026

This is bound to reignite ongoing speculation about Chanel expanding into menswear, which reached new heights when the house tapped Pedro Pascal as ambassador in April under Blazy. — Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 2 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing speculation

• anti-speculation

Rhymes for speculation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids 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