as in guessed
to form an opinion from little or no evidence
I speculate that someone has been using this cabin as a trysting place
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Recent Examples of speculated
The women then speculated about how the public would interpret the song’s inclusion in the film.
—
Safiyah Riddle, Fortune, 23 Jan. 2026
Instead of staying focused on policy, Patel said, the discussion veered into personal attacks after commenters singled her out as an immigrant and speculated about her religion.
—Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 23 Jan. 2026
The women then speculated about how the public would interpret the song’s inclusion in the film.
—Safiyah Riddle, Chicago Tribune, 22 Jan. 2026
Officials speculated that heavy rains this winter are producing more death cap mushrooms than normal, particularly in Northern California.
—Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 22 Jan. 2026
However, while the future assets and ownership of the Armani Group continue to be speculated about, that of the Valentino company was decided long ago.
—Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 21 Jan. 2026
Others speculated that the passengers were connected to the government.
—Oriana Van Praag, New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2026
At Jefferies, strategist Mohit Kumar speculated that a deal will eventually be struck that defuses the tension over Greenland.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 20 Jan. 2026
While viewers have speculated about connections to major financial institutions, the creators have left Pierpoint's exact inspiration intentionally vague, allowing the show to stand independently while evoking the general atmosphere of high finance.
—Maddie Garfinkle, PEOPLE, 18 Jan. 2026
Safiyah Riddle, Fortune, 23 Jan. 2026
Instead of staying focused on policy, Patel said, the discussion veered into personal attacks after commenters singled her out as an immigrant and speculated about her religion.
—Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 23 Jan. 2026
The women then speculated about how the public would interpret the song’s inclusion in the film.
—Safiyah Riddle, Chicago Tribune, 22 Jan. 2026
Officials speculated that heavy rains this winter are producing more death cap mushrooms than normal, particularly in Northern California.
—Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 22 Jan. 2026
However, while the future assets and ownership of the Armani Group continue to be speculated about, that of the Valentino company was decided long ago.
—Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 21 Jan. 2026
Others speculated that the passengers were connected to the government.
—Oriana Van Praag, New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2026
At Jefferies, strategist Mohit Kumar speculated that a deal will eventually be struck that defuses the tension over Greenland.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 20 Jan. 2026
While viewers have speculated about connections to major financial institutions, the creators have left Pierpoint's exact inspiration intentionally vague, allowing the show to stand independently while evoking the general atmosphere of high finance.
—Maddie Garfinkle, PEOPLE, 18 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for speculated
Verb
-
Guesses included Otis Williams of The Temptations (guessed by Robin Thicke), Verdine White of Earth, Wind and Fire (guessed by Rita Ora) or even Morgan Freeman (guessed by Ken Jeong).—
Bebe Hodges,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Since the judges were not allowed to make final guesses, no one added to their win column this week, but up to that point, none of the panel had guessed Oshry anyway.—
Lauren Huff,
Entertainment Weekly,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Alongside fellow co-owner John Mara, Tisch assumed control of the team in 2005 after his father had purchased a majority stake in the team in 1991.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
31 Jan. 2026
-
The 63-year-old New Mexico native with deep Dallas ties officially assumed leadership of North Texas’ largest business group earlier this month.—
Trevor Bach,
Dallas Morning News,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Some deaths have been attributed to hypothermia; others are suspected to be related to carbon monoxide exposure.—
Kristin M. Hall,
Los Angeles Times,
31 Jan. 2026
-
While some deaths have been attributed to hypothermia, others are suspected to be related to carbon monoxide exposure.—
Kristin M. Hall,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Mehrunissa Begum wasn’t supposed to be anywhere near Lake Geneva in 1816, instead searching London for her wayward brother.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
2 Feb. 2026
-
If the groundhog sees its shadow after emerging from hibernating in its burrow, it’s supposed to predict six more weeks of winter.—
Don Sweeney,
Sacbee.com,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Collections and designers put their best foot forward, delivering high-caliber collections — some were uplifting, others were thought-provoking, most were both.—
Laure Guilbault,
Vogue,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Until now, the forces behind such outflows were thought to be driven mainly by intense star formation and possible black hole activity.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
In 1991, Cabrera surmised David was David LaMarr.—
Graham Womack
Updated January 15,
Sacbee.com,
16 Jan. 2026
-
If not for injuries over the last couple of seasons, executives from different clubs surmised, Tucker landing north of $400 million would not be a question.—
Will Sammon,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Long presumed a first-ballot Hall of Famer, Belichick’s omission raised questions about how the votes fell.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
29 Jan. 2026
-
No one from the incident was transported to the hospital, and all on the flight are presumed to be deceased.—
Abigail Adams,
PEOPLE,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Speculated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/speculated. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.
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