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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of speculative

Clarity prevents reactive shifts, such as chasing speculative trends or overcorrecting after market downturns. —Francois Botha, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025

Black Mirror evokes anthology series like The Twilight Zone and Amazing Stories with speculative, offbeat tales that draw upon sci-fi, thriller, and horror tropes to satirize culture and interrogate moral and ethical quandaries. —Randall Colburn, EW.com, 30 Mar. 2025

Once a speculative initiative, Waymo is quickly transforming into a viable business that could revolutionize transportation and unlock significant value for Alphabet. —Trefis Team, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025

Single-game tickets for A’s home games were posted for sale as early as last fall — before those tickets even existed, through a controversial practice known as speculative listing. —Michael McGough and, Sacramento Bee, 24 Mar. 2025