speculation

noun

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spec·u·la·tion | \ ˌspe-kyə-ˈlā-shən

Definition of speculation

: 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

Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More About speculation

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Synonyms & Antonyms for speculation

Synonyms

adventure,
chance,
crapshoot,
enterprise,
flier
(also flyer),
flutter
[chiefly British],
gamble,
throw,
venture

Antonyms

sure thing

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 Ohio State cannot worry about such speculation yet. — Nathan Baird, cleveland, 10 Oct. 2021 The trips to the early voting presidential primary and caucus states naturally fuel more speculation about Pence making a 2024 White House run. — Paul Steinhauser, Fox News, 3 Oct. 2021 In July, Jolie and The Weeknd were photographed leaving a Los Angeles restaurant, prompting relationship speculation. — Carrie Wittmer, Glamour, 29 Sep. 2021 Such speculation, however, is not always reflective of the factors FIFA considers for its host cities and venues. — Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes, 28 Sep. 2021 This spring, the results of China’s once-a-decade census were delayed by weeks, sparking speculation that China’s population may have already begun to shrink. — Washington Post, 27 Sep. 2021 Some eyewitnesses claimed to have seen a streak of light preceding the crash, prompting speculation about missiles or meteors. — Taryn Simon, WSJ, 22 Sep. 2021 After romantic speculation surrounded the two at the beginning of this year, a source told PEOPLE the pair were not dating. — Ally Mauch, PEOPLE.com, 27 Aug. 2021 Such speculation can drive a diehard fan mad wondering what might have been. — Rahat Huq, Chron, 20 July 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'speculation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries Near speculation

speculate

speculation

speculatist

Statistics for speculation

Last Updated

17 Oct 2021

Cite this Entry

“Speculation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/speculation. Accessed 18 Oct. 2021.

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More Definitions for speculation

speculation

noun

English Language Learners Definition of speculation

: ideas or guesses about something that is not known

: activity in which someone buys and sells things (such as stocks or pieces of property) in the hope of making a large profit but with the risk of a large loss

See the full definition for speculation in the English Language Learners Dictionary

speculation

noun

spec·u·la·tion | \ ˌspe-kyə-ˈlā-shən