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 Williams also brought up a topic that has been much-discussed and speculated on: whether Arthur and White got along in real life. Kimberly Nordyke, HollywoodReporter, 19 June 2025 Across last season, Garcia faced multiple comments and jokes speculating about a transfer to Barca. Pol Ballús, New York Times, 18 June 2025 Thanks to a resurfaced video from one of the cafe's employees, fans have been speculating that when Rodrigo played the historic venue in 2023, her team requested the photographs of Swift be removed from the walls. Shania Russell, EW.com, 18 June 2025 In any case, Olga is clearly overwhelmed and exasperated by Elio, who’s not identified as autistic (as some have speculated online) or disabled (there’s a good explanation for his blue eyepatch). Peter Debruge, Variety, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for speculate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for speculate
Verb
  • Instead of guessing or fabricating, the AI pulls directly from the current internal grievance protocol.
    Sagar Gupta, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • By creating a wider variety of scoring opportunities than any other NWSL clubs, the Wave keep both opponents and fans guessing as to what their tactics will be.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 June 2025
Verb
  • Some may assume that losing teeth is just part of growing older.
    Reem Amro, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2025
  • This is assuming that the plants in question are ones that need full sun.
    Dr. Matthew Lisy, Hartford Courant, 21 June 2025
Verb
  • We aren’t even supposed to give straws, utensils or salad condiments without the guest requesting them.
    Ashley J. DiMella, FOXNews.com, 24 June 2025
  • We weren’t supposed to watch too much TV in our household, but that didn’t stop us.
    Maris Kreizman, Rolling Stone, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • The officials were also involved in arresting 12 Mexican citizens, suspected of being unlawfully in the U.S. after traveling in a small boat from Mexico to Long Beach.
    Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2025
  • On Sunday, the man suspected of shooting two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses was taken into custody following a two-day manhunt.
    Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2025
Verb
  • While the unified front welcoming Trump to The Hague may prioritize maintaining the NATO alliance, 23 of the 32 member countries have reached the 2% of GDP spending threshold—and experts think some will reach 5% by or before 2035.
    Nino Paoli, Fortune, 25 June 2025
  • And there are some who have been thinking that pretty well describes opening a Mexican restaurant on Kavanaugh Boulevard in Little Rock’s Pulaski Heights, along a strip in which there are already two similar establishments (Heights Taco & Tamale and Baja Grill).
    Eric E. Harrison, Arkansas Online, 25 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Speculate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/speculate. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

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