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.
The timing led to speculation that the decision was tied to politics, as CBS’ parent company, Paramount, sought approval from the Trump administration for its merger with entertainment company Skydance. Daniel S. Levine, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025 There has been speculation the case would ultimately reach the U.S. Supreme Court because any ruling would have national implications for tribal sovereignty. Frank Vaisvilas, jsonline.com, 7 Aug. 2025 The White House has taken aim at Joy Behar and Rosie O'Donnell, after former The View cohost O'Donnell shared an impassioned speculation that the talk show would be canceled amid growing political tensions. EW.com, 7 Aug. 2025 The Starlux route had been announced two months earlier in Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego's State of the City address, while speculation about China Airlines coming to Phoenix began after the airline's president Chen Han-Ming publicly remarked that Phoenix could be part of its U.S. expansion plan. Michael Salerno, AZCentral.com, 6 Aug. 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 19 Aug. 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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