Definition of speculationnext
as in gamble
a risky undertaking the couple lost all their money in real estate speculations

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of speculation Carley Garner, a commodity market strategist and broker at DeCarley Trading, said smaller futures and oil ETFs such as the United States Oil Fund (ticker USO) have made speculation possible for traders at almost any level of experience or funding. Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026 Witness the Cold War speculation in the 1950s that adding fluoride to drinking water was, alternatively, a Communist plot or a CIA mind-control experiment. Susan Page, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026 Shakur’s death sent shockwaves through the music community and fueled decades of speculation about who was responsible. Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026 But despite lengthy investigations, amateur sleuthing and endless speculation, neither case came to a resolution. Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for speculation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for speculation
Noun
  • Which is why, 14 seasons later, NBC’s gamble has become a sure bet.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • As if dating weren’t already enough of a gamble, a new trend has some men skipping their usual hygiene routines before meeting a prospective partner.
    Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Japan’s Inpex, for example, formed a joint venture to expand its LNG investment in Australia’s Northern Territory.
    Katie Silver, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026
  • His parents fostered the venture to instill responsibility and the value of time.
    Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Below, find last-chance deals on summer sandals, fall-ready booties, ultra-cute ballet flats, and more for up to 79 percent off.
    Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The chances of flash flooding within 25 miles of any location in Jefferson and Hardin counties had increased to a moderate risk of 40% to 69%, Jones said.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Speculation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/speculation. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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