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.
As much as the 49ers try to shield themselves from media speculation, Bethune couldn’t help but hear that their defense was in a bad way with Warner gone. Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 20 Oct. 2025 Amid speculation about why Brandy abruptly left the concert — Monica immediately dismissed any possible bad blood by shouting out Brandy when the show continued — the singer explained in a statement Sunday morning that she was forced to exit due to health issues. Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 19 Oct. 2025 Whispers of bad blood between Brandy and Monica circulated after the song hit airwaves, fueling speculation with its narrative about them fighting over a boy. Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Oct. 2025 Understandably, this behavior fuels public speculation that the ultra-rich are preparing for social collapse, climate disaster, or rogue AI. Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 19 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 23 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

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