speculation

American  

[spek-yuh-ley-shuhn] / ˌspɛk yəˈleɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the contemplation or consideration of some subject.

   to engage in speculation on humanity's ultimate destiny.

2. a single instance or process of consideration.

3. a conclusion or opinion reached by such contemplation.

   These speculations are impossible to verify.

   Synonyms:

   hypothesis, theory, view, supposition

4. conjectural consideration of a matter; conjecture or surmise.

   a report based on speculation rather than facts.

5. engagement in business transactions involving considerable risk but offering the chance of large gains, especially trading in commodities, stocks, etc., in the hope of profit from changes in the market price.

6. a speculative commercial venture or undertaking.

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speculation British  

/ ˌspɛkjʊˈleɪʃən /

noun

1. the act or an instance of speculating

2. a supposition, theory, or opinion arrived at through speculating

3. investment involving high risk but also the possibility of high profits

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Other Word Forms

• antispeculation
  noun
• nonspeculation
  noun
• overspeculation
  noun
• prespeculation
  noun
• semispeculation
  noun

Etymology

Origin of speculation

1325–75; Middle English speculacioun < Late Latin speculātiōn- (stem of speculātiō ) exploration, observation. See speculate, -ion

Explanation

When you guess about how something is going to come out (or how it happened), that's speculation. You're making an educated guess. When people predict who will win a football game, an Oscar, or an election, it's speculation: people are looking at the facts and making their best guess. Just about anything you say about the future is speculation, because no one knows what will happen. The word is used in the stock market for such financial dealings as "buying on spec," a risky way to make money. Sometimes, this word means something close to meditation — pondering something deeply.

Example Sentences

Speculation over Parton's health last year -- following her sister's public request for prayers -- prompted the music legend to post a video addressing her fans titled "I ain't dead yet!"

From Barron's • May 4, 2026

Speculation swirled Saturday about Swalwell’s whereabouts after the congressman announced that he intended to spend time with his wife.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2026

Speculation is also swirling over the geopolitical implications of which computer chips were chosen to train and power the new system: world-leading US designs or made-in-China alternatives that the country is racing to develop.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

Speculation about Kwankwaso's move to the ADC had spread prior to the official announcement - hours before, hundreds of his supporters gathered outside the politician's house, waving ADC flags.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

Mrs. Kedzie planned to “Make a little Speculation of the ‘Knockings’” and, it’s assumed, split the proceeds with the two girls.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock

Related Words

• belief
• conjecture
• opinion
• thought