Synonym Chooser

How is the word speculate different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of speculate are cogitate, deliberate, reason, reflect, and think. While all these words mean "to use one's powers of conception, judgment, or inference," speculate implies reasoning about things theoretical or problematic.

speculated on the fate of the lost explorers

When can cogitate be used instead of speculate?

In some situations, the words cogitate and speculate are roughly equivalent. However, cogitate implies deep or intent thinking.

cogitated on the mysteries of nature

When would deliberate be a good substitute for speculate?

The synonyms deliberate and speculate are sometimes interchangeable, but deliberate suggests slow or careful reasoning before forming an opinion or reaching a conclusion or decision.

the jury deliberated for five hours

Where would reason be a reasonable alternative to speculate?

Although the words reason and speculate have much in common, reason stresses consecutive logical thinking.

able to reason brilliantly in debate

When might reflect be a better fit than speculate?

While the synonyms reflect and speculate are close in meaning, reflect suggests unhurried consideration of something recalled to the mind.

reflecting on fifty years of married life

In what contexts can think take the place of speculate?

The meanings of think and speculate largely overlap; however, think is general and may apply to any mental activity, but used alone often suggests attainment of clear ideas or conclusions.

teaches students how to think

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of speculate Many fans are speculating that Rihanna is pregnant with her third child with A$AP Rocky. Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 2 May 2025 Police speculated at the time that June Ward may have had car trouble, according to the Star-Telegram’s archives. Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Apr. 2025 Spanish power distributor Red Eléctrica declined to speculate on the cause and said restoring power fully could take six to 10 hours. Renata Brito and Barry Hatton, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2025 While some speculated Cena's retirement might happen at WrestleMania 41, his Sunday night win to reclaim WWE’s top championship seemingly ensures the Fast & Furious star will stick around pro wrestling for at least a while longer. Sean Neumann, People.com, 21 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for speculate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for speculate
Verb
  • That’s because the measles was a pretty widespread problem before, guess what, routine measles vaccination occurred.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
  • No one will ever guess this sleek shirt is working behind the scenes to keep you dry and odor-free after that long-haul flight.
    Kayla Kitts, Travel + Leisure, 3 May 2025
Verb
  • McBride wrote the premiere’s cold open — in which Elijah murders a preacher while robbing his collection box, then assumes his identity — several years ago.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 5 May 2025
  • Outside of any current 118 members, and assuming we aren’t cruelly subjected to more of that racist clown Gerrard, the station’s next captain remains anybody’s guess.
    Andy Swift, TVLine, 5 May 2025
Verb
  • For a long time, this movie wasn’t supposed to come out at the beginning of May.
    Adam B. Vary, Variety, 3 May 2025
  • While the Hurricanes are the betting favorites against the Capitals, many still point to their questions in goal and supposed lack of firepower.
    Cory Lavalette, New York Times, 3 May 2025
Verb
  • As their journey unfolds, his daughter begins to suspect something isn’t right.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 5 May 2025
  • However, the Salvadoran national was living in the U.S. illegally and is suspected of being a member of the notoriously violent gang MS-13.
    Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 2 May 2025
Verb
  • However, the Motor City isn't the hub that many thought would be added to TGL.
    Troy Finnegan‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
  • Deborah is thinking of Ava but can’t bring herself to say it.
    Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 9 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Speculate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/speculate. Accessed 17 May. 2025.

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