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

According to Vissel the idea that bacterial infections could play a role in dementia, and that those infections can move from the nose to the brain, are compelling areas of research, albeit still incredibly speculative. —New Atlas, 11 Feb. 2025

Members of the phalanx drift apart, lingering in private corners, suspended in speculative time. —Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 10 Feb. 2025

According to Front Office Sports, this has been a point of contention and there are speculative reasons for why Sanders is standing afar. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025

Idahoans United said details in the financial statement — including mention of the state’s $850 million annual Medicaid budget — are misleading and speculative. —Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 31 Jan. 2025