speculative

adjective

spec·​u·​la·​tive ˈspe-kyə-lə-tiv 

-ˌlā-

1

: involving, based on, or constituting intellectual speculation

also : theoretical rather than demonstrable

speculative knowledge

2

: marked by questioning curiosity

gave him a speculative glance

3

: of, relating to, or being a financial speculation

speculative stocks

speculative venture

speculatively adverb

Synonyms

• academic
• academical
• conjectural
• hypothetical
• suppositional
• theoretical
• theoretic

Examples of speculative in a Sentence

His conclusions are highly speculative.

a writer with a speculative mind

a speculative boom in housing construction

Recent Examples on the Web

But analysts say rising premiums are more a speculative play or hedge against risk rather than a sign of impending financial crisis and insolvency. —Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 29 May 2025

The ball is dropping and an Athletic player attempts a speculative pass through midfield. —Art De Roché, New York Times, 28 May 2025

Such comparisons underscore Bitcoin's growing economic influence and illustrate its evolution from speculative curiosity to mainstream asset class. —Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025

Then, five minutes after halftime, Lukaku found himself on the receiving end of a long, speculative kick downfield, weaved his way past two Cagliari defenders and slotted the ball into the net for a spectacular individual effort. —Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 24 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing speculative

• anti-speculative

Kids Definition

speculative

adjective

spec·​u·​la·​tive ˈspek-yə-lət-iv 

-ˌlāt-

1

a

: of or relating to mental speculation

speculative knowledge

b

: curious sense 1

a speculative glance

2

: of or relating to financial speculation

speculatively adverb

Legal Definition

speculative

adjective

spec·​u·​la·​tive ˈspe-kyə-lə-tiv, -ˌlā- 

1

: involving, based on, or constituting intellectual speculation

also : theoretical rather than demonstrable

speculative medical testimony concerning the cause of death

2

: of, relating to, or being a financial speculation

speculative securities

speculative home building

speculatively adverb