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
The scarcity invites anticipation; the anticipation invites speculation.
—
Dan Greene, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
The revelations at the time rattled the Bahamian government, prompted the resignation of the country’s police commissioner even though he was not accused of wrongdoing, and fueled speculation about drug traffickers’ foothold in the government.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 18 May 2026
The TikTok sparked further speculation after Hewitt replied to comments specifically about co-parenting.
—Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 18 May 2026
His description of who acquired the jewelry led to speculation that a representative of Kelce bought the jewels.
—Lisa Gutierrez
may 18, Kansas City Star, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for speculation
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Dan Greene, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
The revelations at the time rattled the Bahamian government, prompted the resignation of the country’s police commissioner even though he was not accused of wrongdoing, and fueled speculation about drug traffickers’ foothold in the government.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 18 May 2026
The TikTok sparked further speculation after Hewitt replied to comments specifically about co-parenting.
—Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 18 May 2026
His description of who acquired the jewelry led to speculation that a representative of Kelce bought the jewels.
—Lisa Gutierrez
may 18, Kansas City Star, 18 May 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 20 May. 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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