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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
News on the luxury grapevine lifted shares of Burberry and EssilorLuxottica yesterday amid speculation that two major industry deals are underway. Prarthana Prakash, Fortune Europe, 5 Nov. 2024 The news of Beau’s death, along with, now, the heartbreaking news of Jackie’s arrest in connection with his death has overwhelmed us with grief and speculation and confusion. Vicki Gerdes / Forum News Service, Twin Cities, 4 Nov. 2024 McCoy says his team’s approach remains grounded in real-time data from election officials, insulating them from speculation and unverified reports. Josh Rottenberg, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2024 Topline Officials for former President Donald Trump’s campaign are considering adding Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to a potential Trump administration, according to the Washington Post, amid speculation in recent months over who may serve in Trump’s second term if he’s elected. Ty Roush, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near speculation

Cite this Entry

“Speculation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/speculation. Accessed 20 Nov. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!