Synonyms of speculative

speculative

adjective

ˈspe-kyə-lə-tiv 

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

• theoretic
• hypothetical
• theoretical
• conjectural
• academical
• proposed
• metaphysical
• conceptual
• academic
• suppositional
• debatable
• unproven
• unproved
• alleged
• presumed
• abstract
• supposed
• untested
• assumed
• moot
• presupposed
• intellectual
• nonclinical
• nonempirical
• nonpractical

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• actual
• real
• factual
• practical
• clinical
• definite
• concrete
• distinct
• defined
• demonstrated
• confirmed
• empirical
• observational
• substantiated
• empiric
• tested
• proven
• validated
• established
• verified
• attested
• authenticated
• nonspeculative
• time-tested
• nontheoretical

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of speculative

Still, these ideas remain speculative as long as photoperiodism is identified in only a single species of cyanobacteria. —Elizabeth Landau, quantamagazine.org, 11 Oct. 2024

Wells, a Fabian socialist like George Bernard Shaw, wrote a speculative treatise that predicted the ecology movement, the arms race, socialist pacifism, and WWII. —Armond White, National Review, 9 Oct. 2024

The fourth volume and the final word on the provocative speculative fiction series Southern Reach. —The California Independent Booksellers Alliance, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2024

Cannon shot down these reasons, saying all of Routh’s arguments were speculative. —Ashley Oliver, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 29 Oct. 2024