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.
Spurs released a statement late on Sunday night clarifying their position following days of speculation after the removal of Daniel Levy as executive chairman on Thursday. Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025 While the brothers aren't expected to cross paths, speculation continues over whether Harry will reunite with his father, King Charles. Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025 Far from a mirror into the present of commerce, $185 billion is a rather outsize speculation from investors that Anthropic, others like it, and surely countless others not remotely like it, will eventually invent a business environment that will in no way resemble that of the present. John Tamny, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025 That China’s scientific grant makers operate in lockstep with Beijing is not mere speculation. Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 7 Sep. 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 8 Sep. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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