as in theoretic
existing only as an assumption or speculation
a speculative explanation of why this ancient pottery was found hundreds of miles from where it was made
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Recent Examples of speculative
But paving over farmland and taking private property for speculative future needs isn’t the solution.
—
Joanne Frederick, Baltimore Sun, 23 June 2025
What kind of interactive training (cooperative, adversary) is speculative, but the dynamics may suggest some sort of adversary training was at least part of it.
—Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025
History suggests that prioritizing a speculative new extractive frontier over international ocean governance institutions could end up doing far more harm to American interests than good.
—Time, 17 June 2025
Unlike the speculative crypto cycles of previous years, RWA tokens offer something fundamentally different: real yield backed by real assets.
—Anastasia Chernikova, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for speculative
Joanne Frederick, Baltimore Sun, 23 June 2025
What kind of interactive training (cooperative, adversary) is speculative, but the dynamics may suggest some sort of adversary training was at least part of it.
—Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025
History suggests that prioritizing a speculative new extractive frontier over international ocean governance institutions could end up doing far more harm to American interests than good.
—Time, 17 June 2025
Unlike the speculative crypto cycles of previous years, RWA tokens offer something fundamentally different: real yield backed by real assets.
—Anastasia Chernikova, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for speculative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for speculative
Adjective
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Polling of a hypothetical election matchup for lieutenant governor shows Republican incumbent Dan Patrick leading Democratic state Representative Vikki Goodwin, 46 percent to 42 percent.—
Nick Mordowanec,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 June 2025
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To see how this all works, consider Maria, a 58-year-old hypothetical diabetic patient who hasn’t filled her statin prescription.—
Mika Newton,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2025
Adjective
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These frameworks are not theoretical, as they are based on real-world leadership challenges and offer actionable tools leaders can apply immediately.—
Tony Gambill,
Forbes.com,
24 June 2025
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The Athletic's Jim Bowden recently outlined a theoretical deal in which the Cardinals would trade Helsley, Arenado, and cash to the Detroit Tigers to land superstar prospect Kevin McGonigle.—
Zach Pressnell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Speculative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/speculative. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.
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