speculation

noun

spec·​u·​la·​tion ˌspe-kyə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce speculation (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The man Frank Ocean is rumored to be dating has shared a snippet of an unreleased song from the singer, further fueling speculation surrounding the mysterious music star’s romantic life. Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 17 Mar. 2025 Ovechkin has overcome a broken leg this season that cost him 16 games and weathered speculation over the last couple of seasons that his game is slipping. Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 15 Mar. 2025 Epstein’s connections to powerful and wealthy politicians and celebrities fueled deep and widespread speculation about who exactly was caught up in his web. David Catanese, Miami Herald, 14 Mar. 2025 Her disappearance has left her parents devastated, sparked a media frenzy and wide-ranging speculation over just what could have happened to the young woman who was last seen on a beach with a man about her age. Michael Loria, USA TODAY, 13 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for speculation

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of speculation was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Speculation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/speculation. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

speculation

noun
spec·​u·​la·​tion ˌspek-yə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce speculation (audio)
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 How to pronounce speculation (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on speculation

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