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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of speculative
Clarity prevents reactive shifts, such as chasing speculative trends or overcorrecting after market downturns.
—
Francois Botha, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025
Black Mirror evokes anthology series like The Twilight Zone and Amazing Stories with speculative, offbeat tales that draw upon sci-fi, thriller, and horror tropes to satirize culture and interrogate moral and ethical quandaries.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 30 Mar. 2025
Once a speculative initiative, Waymo is quickly transforming into a viable business that could revolutionize transportation and unlock significant value for Alphabet.
—Trefis Team, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
Single-game tickets for A’s home games were posted for sale as early as last fall — before those tickets even existed, through a controversial practice known as speculative listing.
—Michael McGough and, Sacramento Bee, 24 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for speculative
Francois Botha, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025
Black Mirror evokes anthology series like The Twilight Zone and Amazing Stories with speculative, offbeat tales that draw upon sci-fi, thriller, and horror tropes to satirize culture and interrogate moral and ethical quandaries.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 30 Mar. 2025
Once a speculative initiative, Waymo is quickly transforming into a viable business that could revolutionize transportation and unlock significant value for Alphabet.
—Trefis Team, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
Single-game tickets for A’s home games were posted for sale as early as last fall — before those tickets even existed, through a controversial practice known as speculative listing.
—Michael McGough and, Sacramento Bee, 24 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for speculative
Cite this Entry
“Speculative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/speculative. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share