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

But again, there was existing speculation about this skill, and there have been hints of it on the show. —Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 15 Dec. 2025

Schroder’s prolonged absence has led to speculation that the Kings might be holding him out in anticipation of a trade. —Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 14 Dec. 2025

Still, speculation has grown as misleading posts reference old proposals, misquote public officials, or falsely claim checks are already being processed. —Laura Daniella Sepulveda, AZCentral.com, 13 Dec. 2025

This statistical black hole fuels wild speculation. —Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 12 Dec. 2025

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