Synonyms of speculative

speculative

adjective

ˈspe-kyə-lə-tiv 

as in theoretic

existing only as an assumption or speculation

a speculative explanation of why this ancient pottery was found hundreds of miles from where it was made

Synonyms & Similar Words

• theoretic
• hypothetical
• theoretical
• conjectural
• academical
• proposed
• metaphysical
• conceptual
• academic
• suppositional
• debatable
• unproven
• unproved
• alleged
• presumed
• abstract
• supposed
• untested
• assumed
• moot
• presupposed
• intellectual
• nonclinical
• nonempirical
• nonpractical

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• actual
• real
• factual
• practical
• clinical
• definite
• concrete
• distinct
• defined
• demonstrated
• confirmed
• empirical
• observational
• substantiated
• empiric
• tested
• proven
• validated
• established
• verified
• attested
• authenticated
• nonspeculative
• time-tested
• nontheoretical

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of speculative

Much of that capital is flowing into bitcoin infrastructure and applications — payments, privacy tools, custody solutions — rather than the speculative trading platforms of previous cycles. —Mackenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 12 Apr. 2025

Opponents often take shots from speculative range against the goalkeeper, looking to test his wrists and focus as soon as possible. —Carl Anka, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025

Those social media posts are seen as speculative and have not been followed up by statement from rival media outlets in China, market watchers caution. —Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 9 Apr. 2025

To date, all changes are speculative in nature and are unlikely to be applied retroactively. —Cindy McGhee, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025