1
a
: based on guesses or ideas about what might happen or be true rather than on facts
His conclusions are highly/purely speculative.
b
: tending to think about what might happen or be true : tending to speculate
a writer with a speculative mind
c
: showing curiosity or uncertainty
She gave him a speculative glance. [=she looked at him in a way that showed she was thinking/wondering about him]
2
: involving financial risk : of or relating to financial activity that could result in either a large profit or a large loss
a speculative boom in housing construction
speculative deals
Cite this Entry
“Speculative.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/speculative. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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