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

Buyers spread their money across more brands now and lean toward classic pieces like the Datejust rather than the speculative sports models that defined the hype. — Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 20 Aug. 2026

The Santa Ana winds make a very fine speculative element in that sense. — Sarah Batcha, Daily News, 20 Aug. 2026

With a full colorway of Metallic Silver/Black/Coconut Milk, in-hand images of the new sneaker have yet to surface, but a speculative mock-up was shared which is said to offer an accurate look of what fans can expect upon the release. — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 19 Aug. 2026

The campaign itself is speculative by nature and does not result from any breach of 1Password’s systems or servers. — Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 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