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 of speculative

• hypothetical
• theoretical
• conjectural

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

Another attraction to American investors is the English game’s financial chaos, itself exacerbated by the speculative frenzy and dire stakes inherent in promotion/relegation. —Andrés Martinez, Fortune, 2 Apr. 2026

While these accounts have rates competitive with the top CDs, these rates are variable and subject to change based on market conditions, meaning that interest-earning projections are speculative and likely to change. —Matt Richardson, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026

While much of the price pressure has so far remained speculative, driven by expectations of shortages rather than actual supply gaps, experts believe the imminent end to Middle Eastern flows will intensify the economic impact. —Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026

Joseph diverted $28 million from investors’ funds into speculative equities trading and lost about $12 million of that trading, the indictment said. —Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2026

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