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

The eight-time Super Bowl champion coach’s snub, which ESPN first reported, also sparked speculation over which media members decided not to vote for him on the first ballot. —Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 29 Jan. 2026

No speculation—only billable hours. —Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026

With traders already talking about the possibility that the US may intervene in foreign exchange markets with Japan, Katayama’s comments may drive further speculation. —Erica Yokoyama, Bloomberg, 28 Jan. 2026

Baldoni and these other buckets of dumb-dumb-juice should be acknowledging the speculation and gossip themselves. —Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Jan. 2026

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