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
Husso, who stopped 16 shots in the first period and 13 in both the second and third, had a timely performance amid speculation the Ducks are pursuing a backup goalie behind Lukas Dostal before Friday’s trade deadline.
—
Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026
There was speculation last month that the departure of Assistant Attorney General Gail Slater, chief of the DOJ’s antitrust division, might increase the odds of a settlement in the Live Nation case.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 4 Mar. 2026
The Banijay–All3Media mega-merger won’t complete for months but speculation abounds that Banijay remains interested in ITV Studios, which will soon split from ITV if the network sells to Sky.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 4 Mar. 2026
Hawke sparked engagement speculation in March 2025 when she was photographed wearing a ring on her left hand.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for speculation
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Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026
There was speculation last month that the departure of Assistant Attorney General Gail Slater, chief of the DOJ’s antitrust division, might increase the odds of a settlement in the Live Nation case.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 4 Mar. 2026
The Banijay–All3Media mega-merger won’t complete for months but speculation abounds that Banijay remains interested in ITV Studios, which will soon split from ITV if the network sells to Sky.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 4 Mar. 2026
Hawke sparked engagement speculation in March 2025 when she was photographed wearing a ring on her left hand.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 4 Mar. 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 11 Mar. 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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