speculate
verb (used without object)
to engage in thought or reflection; meditate (often followed by on, upon, or a clause).
were speculating
-
past progressiveof speculate.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
It was only a few months ago that outsiders were speculating that, in this rebuilding year, the Rams should just tank the season so they could draft USC quarterback Caleb Williams.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 22, 2023
Some were speculating about the origin of the blast, suspecting a gas leak, like 75-year-old Monique Mosser.
From Reuters ● Jun. 21, 2023
Before your name came out, people were speculating it would be Rina Sawayama or Mabel or Mimi Webb.
From BBC ● May 12, 2023
Just this month, investors were speculating that the Fed might make a full percentage-point increase this week, only to simmer down after central bankers and fresh data signaled that a smaller move was more likely.
From New York Times ● Jul. 25, 2022
They disappeared, and, while Royson and Abdur Kad'r were speculating on the motive that inspired this espionage, the hoods came in sight again, but this time they had the regular swing that betokened camel-riders.
From The Wheel O' Fortune by Louis Tracy
