speculation
noun
spec·u·la·tion
ˌspe-kyə-ˈlā-shən 
: an act or instance of speculating: such as
a
: assumption of unusual business risk in hopes of obtaining commensurate gain
b
: a transaction involving such speculation
Examples of speculation in a Sentence
He dismissed their theories as mere speculation.
The book is just a lot of idle speculation about the future.
Her speculations leave many questions unanswered.
He lost everything in foolish land speculation.
Recent Examples on the Web
The pound eased against major currencies as speculation mounted that Starmer was going to set out a timetable for his departure.
—
Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 22 June 2026
When speculation about his return to London intensified, Burnham appeared to change his position, for instance, on immigration and Britain's post-Brexit relationship with Europe.
—Inaya Folarin Iman, CBS News, 22 June 2026
Against all the latest speculation is Tuesday night’s first round of the NBA draft, the soft deadline set by Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam if there is to be an Antetokounmpo trade.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 22 June 2026
Doing business had until recently been speculation, a serious crime.
—Literary Hub, 22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for speculation
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Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 22 June 2026
When speculation about his return to London intensified, Burnham appeared to change his position, for instance, on immigration and Britain's post-Brexit relationship with Europe.
—Inaya Folarin Iman, CBS News, 22 June 2026
Against all the latest speculation is Tuesday night’s first round of the NBA draft, the soft deadline set by Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam if there is to be an Antetokounmpo trade.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 22 June 2026
Doing business had until recently been speculation, a serious crime.
—Literary Hub, 22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for speculation
Cite this Entry
“Speculation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/speculation. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
speculation
noun
spec·u·la·tion
ˌspek-yə-ˈlā-shən
1
: thoughts or guesses about something
much speculation about who the new teacher would be
2
: the taking of a big risk in business in hopes of making a big profit
Legal Definition
speculation
noun
spec·u·la·tion
ˌspe-kyə-ˈlā-shən
: an act or instance of speculating: as
a
: assumption of unusual business risk in hopes of obtaining commensurate gain
b
: a transaction involving such speculation
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