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.
Patel addressed speculation about a nearby aircraft's transponder, clarifying that incomplete flight data—not tampering—caused the apparent signal gap. Amanda Castro mandy Taheri peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Sep. 2025 And for Middleton, there was speculation that her cancer battle was directly tied to her new look. Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 20 Sep. 2025 Harris’s future is the source of much speculation. Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 20 Sep. 2025 Joe Carollo The current District 3 commissioner and former Miami mayor submitted his candidate paperwork with just a few hours to go before qualifying closed Saturday, officially ending months of will-he-won’t-he speculation about the veteran politician’s plans. Miami Herald, 20 Sep. 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 23 Sep. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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