speculative

adjective

spec·​u·​la·​tive ˈspe-kyə-lə-tiv How to pronounce speculative (audio)
-ˌlā-
1
: involving, based on, or constituting intellectual speculation
also : theoretical rather than demonstrable
speculative knowledge
2
: marked by questioning curiosity
gave him a speculative glance
3
: of, relating to, or being a financial speculation
speculative stocks
speculative venture
speculatively adverb

Examples of speculative in a Sentence

His conclusions are highly speculative. a writer with a speculative mind a speculative boom in housing construction
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.
Biden's attorney jumped in to clarify that Hur's team had asked a speculative question that did not reflect Biden's initial answer. Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 18 May 2025 Any financial instruments mentioned herein are speculative in nature and may involve risk to principal and interest. Katie Stockton, CNBC, 12 May 2025 Here is a look at the stops on the day tour, based on information provided by the association: CUMBERLAND MAGNOLIA 1323 Cumberland St. Built around 1890, this Queen Anne cottage likely was built as a rental or speculative house. Arkansas Online, 2 May 2025 Funding and Sustainability Challenges Many DAOs rely on token inflation or speculative interest for funding, which can be volatile and unsustainable. Chrissa McFarlane, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for speculative

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of speculative was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Speculative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/speculative. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

speculative

adjective
spec·​u·​la·​tive ˈspek-yə-lət-iv How to pronounce speculative (audio)
-ˌlāt-
1
a
: of or relating to mental speculation
speculative knowledge
b
: curious sense 1
a speculative glance
2
: of or relating to financial speculation
speculatively adverb

Legal Definition

speculative

adjective
spec·​u·​la·​tive ˈspe-kyə-lə-tiv, -ˌlā- How to pronounce speculative (audio)
1
: involving, based on, or constituting intellectual speculation
also : theoretical rather than demonstrable
speculative medical testimony concerning the cause of death
2
: of, relating to, or being a financial speculation
speculative securities
speculative home building
speculatively adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on speculative

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!