speculate
verb (used without object)
to engage in thought or reflection; meditate (often followed by on, upon, or a clause).
speculated
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past participleof speculate.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof speculate.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
speculateverb (used without object)to engage in thought or reflection; meditate (often followed by on, upon, or a clause).
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Detractors responded in turn, worrying that Grande’s ardent fans were enabling the singer’s unhealthy behavior and speculated eating disorder.
From Salon ● Aug. 8, 2026
Some speculated he never married for the same reason: Obligations to the Tibetan movement came first.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 6, 2026
Analysts speculated that the customer may be either the U.S.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 5, 2026
The Times speculated that the creation of FFE could have an impact on the World Cup and the Club World Cup.
From Barron's ● Jul. 28, 2026
Surrounded by their admiring neighbors, they reenacted the more dramatic moments of the afternoon and speculated on how they might do things differently the next time.
From "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris
