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
Claude’s potential culpability in this and other potential war crimes was a subject of widespread speculation, not only in the media but in Washington.
—
Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 15 Apr. 2026
The film’s October 2 release date has led to speculation, and anticipation, in many quarters that Venice or another fall festival would be in the cards.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 15 Apr. 2026
The potentially sport-shifting news comes after many months of speculation that operationally – both front-facing and behind the scenes – things had reached a tipping point in terms of spending, big-name players leaving the circuit and overall interest in LIV Golf hitting a standstill.
—Mark Harris Outkick, FOXNews.com, 15 Apr. 2026
Since Earle and Cooper took their fight to the internet streets this week, speculation has flooded social media.
—Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for speculation
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Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 15 Apr. 2026
The film’s October 2 release date has led to speculation, and anticipation, in many quarters that Venice or another fall festival would be in the cards.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 15 Apr. 2026
The potentially sport-shifting news comes after many months of speculation that operationally – both front-facing and behind the scenes – things had reached a tipping point in terms of spending, big-name players leaving the circuit and overall interest in LIV Golf hitting a standstill.
—Mark Harris Outkick, FOXNews.com, 15 Apr. 2026
Since Earle and Cooper took their fight to the internet streets this week, speculation has flooded social media.
—Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 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 Apr. 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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