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
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
Undoubtedly, these reconsiderations have been a largely positive exercise, foregrounding not only more equitable but more accurate and more engaging histories, and opening gallery and museum doors to previously excluded artists (even if many have suffered with the ups and downs of speculation).
—
Katy Siegel, Artforum, 2 June 2026
Swalwell’s exit from the gubernatorial race sparked speculation about which of the other Democratic candidates would emerge as the most likely figure to replace Newsom.
—Chantelle Lee, Time, 1 June 2026
Serena Williams is returning to tennis, ending months of speculation after her name showed up in tennis’ anti-doping testing pool, a precursor to competing again on the WTA Tour.
—Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 1 June 2026
While the quantum computing market holds immense potential, many pure-play firms remain unprofitable, relying on speculation rather than sustainable growth.
—Peter Cohan, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for speculation
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Katy Siegel, Artforum, 2 June 2026
Swalwell’s exit from the gubernatorial race sparked speculation about which of the other Democratic candidates would emerge as the most likely figure to replace Newsom.
—Chantelle Lee, Time, 1 June 2026
Serena Williams is returning to tennis, ending months of speculation after her name showed up in tennis’ anti-doping testing pool, a precursor to competing again on the WTA Tour.
—Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 1 June 2026
While the quantum computing market holds immense potential, many pure-play firms remain unprofitable, relying on speculation rather than sustainable growth.
—Peter Cohan, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for speculation
Cite this Entry
“Speculation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/speculation. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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