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
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Recent Examples of speculative
Through floating residencies, immersive storytelling and speculative design, LunARC invites people to consider the possibility that exploration isn’t about escape, but about deepening our connection to this world.
—
Melissa Jun Rowley, Rolling Stone, 17 July 2025
Stock markets might like it, though that prediction is much more speculative.
—Bill Conerly, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
While estimates for the amount of guidance in existence or birthed yearly may not be as speculative as extrasolar planetary life, the magnitude remains bathed in the radiation of indifference.
—Clyde Wayne Crews Jr, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Butch Dill/Getty Images While the report is purely speculative at this point, Saban unretiring to get back into coaching wouldn't be a complete shock.
—Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for speculative
Melissa Jun Rowley, Rolling Stone, 17 July 2025
Stock markets might like it, though that prediction is much more speculative.
—Bill Conerly, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
While estimates for the amount of guidance in existence or birthed yearly may not be as speculative as extrasolar planetary life, the magnitude remains bathed in the radiation of indifference.
—Clyde Wayne Crews Jr, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Butch Dill/Getty Images While the report is purely speculative at this point, Saban unretiring to get back into coaching wouldn't be a complete shock.
—Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for speculative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for speculative
Adjective
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Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller recently put together a hypothetical trade package that would send Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcántara to the Blue Jays in exchange for Arjun Nimmala and Charles McAdoo.—
Zach Pressnell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 July 2025
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The latest Emerson College survey created hypothetical 2028 match-ups between Vice President JD Vance, a Republican, and three prominent Democrats: California Gov. Gavin Newsom, New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and former Transportation Sec.—
Brendan Rascius,
Miami Herald,
28 July 2025
Adjective
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The theoretical ways drugs can affect heat tolerance are well-known, but there haven't been enough systematic analyses looking at how, and at what levels, and for whom drugs affect heat tolerance, says Yorgi Mavros, a heat expert at The University of Sydney.—
Alejandra Borunda,
NPR,
30 July 2025
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The doctrine of communication by conduct is not merely a theoretical construct.—
Majeed Javdani,
Forbes.com,
29 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Speculative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/speculative. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.
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