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 of speculation

• gamble
• venture
• chance

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

The setback sparked wide speculation that Sánchez would move forward the general election and use the momentum on the housing issue against his right-wing opponents. — Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026

For months, there has been rampant speculation about a possible reunion between Tyreek Hill and the Chiefs — much of it fueled by posts Hill has made on social media. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 5 Oct. 2026

Right-wing opposition parties joined forces to scuttle two emergency decrees introduced by Sánchez's government that included measures to reduce evictions and real estate speculation. — ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026

Sánchez’s government suffered a bruising legislative defeat last week after right-wing opposition parties voted against two emergency decrees introduced by his government that included measures to reduce evictions and real estate speculation. — Suman Naishadham, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English speculacioun "contemplation, reasoning, theorizing," borrowed from Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French speculacion "observation, abstract thinking, theorizing," borrowed from Late Latin speculātiōn-, speculātiō "observation point, speculative thought," from Latin speculārī "to keep a close watch on, observe" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at speculate

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