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 Perhaps most provocatively, Knight speculated that former President Donald Trump could step in if Diddy is ultimately convicted. Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 14 May 2025 Some fans speculated that DeSorbo's hesitancy to settle down into a traditional wife and mother role sparked her breakup with Southern Charm's Craig Conover. Jenni Fink, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025 Shortly after the birth of her twins, many people speculated that the babies’ father was Elon Musk. Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 12 May 2025 Earlier this week, Kardashian's eldest son, Saint, made headlines after fans speculated that the 9-year-old hacked his mom's Instagram account. Charna Flam, People.com, 3 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for speculate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for speculate
Verb
  • En route, Ellie tries to guess what the surprise might be, but comes up snake eyes.
    Keith Phipps, Vulture, 19 May 2025
  • Labeling the Menu Take a note from the hosts of yesteryear and don't leave guests guessing what's for dinner.
    Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • In order to be approved for any of those products, a borrower needs a strong credit profile, and the willingness and ability to assume more debt.
    Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 18 May 2025
  • States like Florida could be forced to assume billions in costs for health care and disaster preparedness.
    Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • What was originally supposed to be an NDA-ed Alpha turned into one that ditched those NDAs, seemingly to move past a recent gameplay showcase that many deemed underwhelming.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 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
  • When Darwin’s friends start dying, Pia suspects the hauntings are connected to Darwin’s past misdeeds.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 17 May 2025
  • Washington suspects Iran is trying to develop nuclear weapons.
    Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 17 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
  • But, not surprisingly, what gamblers think and what 133 cardinals decide can be completely different.
    Jim Sergent, USA Today, 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 21 May. 2025.

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