speculation

noun

spec·​u·​la·​tion ˌspe-kyə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce speculation (audio)
Synonyms of speculationnext
: 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.
The developments fueled speculation that the president may be acknowledging political limits on Capitol Hill even as Republicans narrowly control both the House and Senate. Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 12 Feb. 2026 Given the lavish spending (Amazon’s bid was reportedly around $25 million above Disney’s next-best offer of $14 million) there’s been rampant speculation that the doc is the retailer’s attempt to cozy up to the current administration. Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 11 Feb. 2026 What remains is speculation presented as fact after more than a year of litigation and no credible evidence. Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 11 Feb. 2026 Knowing where each person is coming from should at least remove speculation from the equation. Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 11 Feb. 2026 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 15 Feb. 2026.

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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