speculative
Americanadjective
-
pertaining to, of the nature of, or characterized by speculation, contemplation, conjecture, or abstract reasoning.
a speculative approach.
-
theoretical, rather than practical.
speculative conclusions.
-
given to speculation, as persons, the mind, etc.
-
of the nature of or involving commercial or financial speculation.
speculative ventures.
-
engaging in or given to such speculation.
adjective
Other Word Forms
-
antispeculativeadjective
-
antispeculativelyadverb
-
antispeculativenessnoun
-
hyperspeculativeadjective
-
hyperspeculativelyadverb
-
hyperspeculativenessnoun
-
nonspeculativeadjective
-
nonspeculativelyadverb
-
nonspeculativenessnoun
-
overspeculativeadjective
-
overspeculativelyadverb
-
overspeculativenessnoun
-
semispeculativeadjective
-
semispeculativelyadverb
-
semispeculativenessnoun
-
speculativelyadverb
-
speculativenessnoun
-
unspeculativeadjective
Etymology
Origin of speculative
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English word from Late Latin word speculātīvus. See speculate, -ive
Explanation
Speculative describes very risky and unproven ideas or chances. You might have great ideas about starting your own business but your plans are speculative until you earn money from them. Speculative describes abstract ideas — usually with high risk — that often come with excitement and expectation too. A speculative investment could mean putting lots of cash into a business or real estate property hoping it will make money later. Anything speculative is based on prediction: whatever it is hasn't happened yet.
Vocabulary lists containing speculative
Grade 9, List 1
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"Macbeth" Vocabulary from Act V
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
And Then There Were None
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Speculative traders covering short positions by buying cocoa are pushing prices higher, not fundamental factors, analysts said.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026
"Speculative reports on militarily sensitive matters are undesirable in light of our security interests... and our relations with key Middle Eastern countries," he said.
From Barron's • Mar. 11, 2026
Speculative tickets are offered by resellers who list concert passes they don’t yet have in their possession, with the intention that they will ultimately acquire the tickets and deliver them to the buyer.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 29, 2026
Speculative stocks like Oklo and Lightbridge represent only part of Scheneman’s portfolio.
From MarketWatch • Dec. 15, 2025
I looked for my name the other day in last year’s case-book of the Speculative.
From The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson, Volume 9 by Stevenson, Robert Louis
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
