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
This is just speculation, and the tests from the doctors and training staff will reveal more for the Steelers quarterback.
—
James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Nov. 2025
When money is tied to gold and in short supply, how does the economy finance investment, building or speculation on the future?
—David McWilliams, Fortune, 16 Nov. 2025
Epstein’s pidgin writing style, paired with his name-dropping and vagueness, makes emails like this excellent fodder for both speculation and genuine concern.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 14 Nov. 2025
Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden confirmed Border Patrol’s plans Thursday after days of speculation.
—Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 14 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for speculation
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James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Nov. 2025
When money is tied to gold and in short supply, how does the economy finance investment, building or speculation on the future?
—David McWilliams, Fortune, 16 Nov. 2025
Epstein’s pidgin writing style, paired with his name-dropping and vagueness, makes emails like this excellent fodder for both speculation and genuine concern.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 14 Nov. 2025
Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden confirmed Border Patrol’s plans Thursday after days of speculation.
—Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 14 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for speculation
Cite this Entry
“Speculation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/speculation. Accessed 19 Nov. 2025.
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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