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.
While filming the episode, everybody had their different speculations. Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2025 After the Heat included Wiggins in its trade offer for 15-time All-Star forward Kevin Durant before Durant was eventually dealt to the Houston Rockets early in the offseason, there remained speculation about Wiggins’ future with Miami. Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2025 According to Srebnick’s book, the newspapers at the time breathlessly reported her safe return, but the incident fed public speculation about the mysteries of her private life. Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025 In fact, the speculation about her health and her whereabouts reached a fever pitch at one point; that’s how low-key the whole thing was kept. Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 3 Oct. 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 10 Oct. 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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