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

• venture
• gamble

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

As for whether a The Life of a Showgirl tour is on the horizon, Swift recently shut down that speculation. —Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 12 Oct. 2025

Rakell and Pittsburgh winger Bryan Rust have been in trade speculation for a while as the Penguins start to execute a youth movement. —Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025

City leaders are downplaying speculation about a potential serial killer, but retired NYPD Sgt. —Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2025

Unsurprisingly, that fired up gossip, speculation and headlines. —Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 11 Oct. 2025

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