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
But despite speculation in South Korea about her potential grooming as a successor, no new official titles were announced as the once-in-five-years ruling party congress wrapped.
—
Will Ripley, CNN Money, 26 Feb. 2026
Last year there was speculation the once red-hot brand was on the verge of closing or being sold.
—Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 25 Feb. 2026
There has been speculation that the allies are seeking to tone down the drills to create conditions for dialogue with North Korea.
—ABC News, 25 Feb. 2026
That cryptic comment came amid widespread speculation about the future of Brown, who expressed his frustrations with the Eagles’ inconsistent pass offense during the season.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for speculation
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Will Ripley, CNN Money, 26 Feb. 2026
Last year there was speculation the once red-hot brand was on the verge of closing or being sold.
—Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 25 Feb. 2026
There has been speculation that the allies are seeking to tone down the drills to create conditions for dialogue with North Korea.
—ABC News, 25 Feb. 2026
That cryptic comment came amid widespread speculation about the future of Brown, who expressed his frustrations with the Eagles’ inconsistent pass offense during the season.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 25 Feb. 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 3 Mar. 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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