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.
The pair will reportedly use a Black/New Emerald/Tour Yellow color combination, one which is represented in the speculative mock-up seen here. — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 2 Sep. 2026 By this reasoning, federal agencies must be allowed to complete rulemaking before judges intervene, and challenges to the order are portrayed as speculative attempts to stop reforms that could be crafted within constitutional limits. — Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 The market has included longstanding collectors, but also new emerging collectors and investor-speculative types, people who aren’t typical collectors but buy art and luxury as an asset class. — Hok-Hang Cheung, ARTnews.com, 31 Aug. 2026 Unitree’s recent slump has raised concerns about how Beijing may boost emerging strategic sectors without stoking a speculative frenzy. — Anniek Bao,elaine Yu, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for speculative

Word History

Etymology

Middle English speculatif, borrowed from Anglo-French & Late Latin; Anglo-French, borrowed from Late Latin speculātīvus, from Latin speculātus, past participle of speculārī "to keep a close watch on, observe" (Late Latin, "to envision, contemplate") + -īvus -ive — more at speculate

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

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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 4 Sep. 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
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