speculative

adjective

spec·​u·​la·​tive ˈspe-kyə-lə-tiv How to pronounce speculative (audio)
-ˌlā-
Synonyms of speculative
1
: involving, based on, or constituting intellectual speculation
also : theoretical rather than demonstrable
speculative knowledge
2
: marked by questioning curiosity
gave him a speculative glance
3
: of, relating to, or being a financial speculation
speculative stocks
speculative venture
speculatively adverb

Synonyms of speculative

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Examples of speculative in a Sentence

His conclusions are highly speculative. a writer with a speculative mind a speculative boom in housing construction
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This view is consistent with broader market data showing capital flowing toward defensible, cash-generative services businesses, and with the sharp repricing of speculative software valuations since 2022. — Gustaf Lundberg Toresson, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026 Possible successors Kim Jong-Un has not publicly designated a successor, and assessments of North Korea’s future leadership remain largely speculative. — Ethan Teekah, Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 Aug. 2026 As the financial landscape continues to shift and make room for digital assets, many are moving from speculative interest toward more practical uses such as high-value commerce. — K.h. Koehler, Ascend Agency, 6 Aug. 2026 That has opened room for Cartier, Patek Philippe, and Vacheron Constantin, especially as taste shifts from speculative sports models toward classic, dressier watches. — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for speculative

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of speculative was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing speculative

Browse Nearby Words

speculatist
speculative
speculative damages
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Cite this Entry

“Speculative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/speculative. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

speculative

adjective
spec·​u·​la·​tive ˈspek-yə-lət-iv How to pronounce speculative (audio)
-ˌlāt-
1
a
: of or relating to mental speculation
speculative knowledge
b
: curious sense 1
a speculative glance
2
: of or relating to financial speculation
speculatively adverb

Legal Definition

speculative

adjective
spec·​u·​la·​tive ˈspe-kyə-lə-tiv, -ˌlā- How to pronounce speculative (audio)
1
: involving, based on, or constituting intellectual speculation
also : theoretical rather than demonstrable
speculative medical testimony concerning the cause of death
2
: of, relating to, or being a financial speculation
speculative securities
speculative home building
speculatively adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on speculative

Nglish: Translation of speculative for Spanish Speakers

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