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
Synonyms
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
There is speculation that TNT Sports will lose out to NBC — a momentous shift.
—
Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 20 May 2024
There was still an appetite for speculation, but perhaps not as much when everyone’s wallets had suddenly depreciated in value.
—Zachary Small, New York Times, 18 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for speculation 
Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 20 May 2024
There was still an appetite for speculation, but perhaps not as much when everyone’s wallets had suddenly depreciated in value.
—Zachary Small, New York Times, 18 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for speculation
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'speculation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near speculation
Cite this Entry
“Speculation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/speculation. Accessed 23 May. 2024.
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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