speculate
verb (used without object)
to engage in thought or reflection; meditate (often followed by on, upon, or a clause).
has been speculating
-
present perfect progressiveof speculate (3rd person singular).present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
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.
Not to be outdone, Mr. Hinton has been speculating for a couple of years about the prospect for total human extinction at the hands of AI.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 9, 2026
Carlson has been speculating on the virus’s origins since the onset of the pandemic in the U.S.
From Washington Times ● Sep. 18, 2020
Since Wednesday, the nation has been speculating as to the identity and motives of the unsuccessful mail bomber.
From Slate ● Oct. 26, 2018
“The media has been speculating that I fired Rex Tillerson or that he would be leaving soon,” he posted at 3.12pm, referring to reports that his secretary of state would soon be axed.
From The Guardian ● Dec. 2, 2017
I have heard that he has been speculating in wheat lately, and it may be he has got caught.
From Uncle Terry A Story of the Maine Coast by Charles Clark Munn
