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

Synonyms of speculation

• gamble
• venture
• chance

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

Prince Harry and Meghan’s surprise homecoming will undoubtedly trigger a frenzy of speculation in Britain where the Windsor clan’s family dramas routinely grip the nation. — Max Foster, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026

Iran launched a drone attack against Azerbaijan early in the war, triggering harsh denunciations and speculation that Azerbaijan could enter the war. — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 19 Aug. 2026

Her departure from Unwell was announced in 2025, sparking speculation about what happened between the two. — Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 19 Aug. 2026

Buckingham Palace has a policy of not commenting on speculation about non-working members of the royal family. — Danica Kirka, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing speculation

• anti-speculation

Rhymes for speculation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids 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