speculative

adjective

spec·​u·​la·​tive ˈspe-kyə-lə-tiv 

-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

Synonyms of speculative

• hypothetical
• theoretical
• conjectural

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

Their investment materials include the typical warnings, that positions can be illiquid, speculative and difficult to value. — Contessa Brewer, CNBC, 2 July 2026

Some of that was speculative excess, but the rally has been about more than enthusiasm. — Andrew Graham, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Lasting moments What is far less speculative, residents said, is the lasting effect the presence of the World Cup tournament, along with the presence of Algerians and their fans — both domestic and international — has had on them personally. — Emily Harter, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026

Spreads on speculative-grade GCC sukuk remain elevated, suggesting investors are still demanding a higher premium for riskier borrowers. — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 30 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing speculative

• anti-speculative

Kids Definition

speculative

adjective

spec·​u·​la·​tive ˈspek-yə-lət-iv 

-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- 

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