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

That one is seeing all stars reprise their roles and came after months of speculation. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 28 Sep. 2026

Superman and Batman might be one of the DC Universe’s most famous partnerships, but Robert Pattinson is officially ending speculation that his take on Bruce Wayne would fit in the cinematic world created by James Gunn. — Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 27 Sep. 2026

Many have passed without clear attribution, only intensifying speculation. — Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 26 Sep. 2026

The demands for transparency, and the online speculation arising from this trickle of information, put McIlrath in a bind. — Cristian Farias, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English speculacioun "contemplation, reasoning, theorizing," borrowed from Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French speculacion "observation, abstract thinking, theorizing," borrowed from Late Latin speculātiōn-, speculātiō "observation point, speculative thought," from Latin speculārī "to keep a close watch on, observe" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at speculate

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