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

But, when the speculative juices are flowing and asset prices are soaring, such measures are unpopular. —John Cassidy, The New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2024

Other, more speculative geoengineering ideas have been developed by researchers over the years, too. —Michelle Weber, Longreads, 6 Dec. 2024

Along one wall, a deep-brown curio cabinet full of tchotchkes and crystal is the resting place for Wells’ trove of speculative fiction awards. —Meghan Herbst, WIRED, 26 Nov. 2024

TikTok has consistently denied any improper data sharing or content manipulation, arguing that the law's premise is based on speculative, future risks rather than any substantiated wrongdoing. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024