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Synonyms

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.


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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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

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.

Davies and Radio 2's overnight presenter OJ Borg will cover the show over the next week, as speculation begins to mount over who will replace Mills.

From BBC

She also urged the public to "allow the judicial process to continue without any speculation" that could impede the "pursuit of justice for all those affected".

From BBC

Others address larger speculations she’s contended with throughout her life, primarily regarding her relationship with Michael, to whom she was very close as a child.

From Salon

There was speculation there could be scope for a family reunion Stateside.

From BBC

This is where Howe has previously come into his own, and Hopkinson maintained "we are not distracting ourselves with speculation about what we may or may not do in the summer".

From BBC