speculative

adjective

ˈspe-kyə-lə-tiv How to pronounce speculative (audio)
Definition of speculativenext
as in hypothetical
existing only as an assumption or speculation a speculative explanation of why this ancient pottery was found hundreds of miles from where it was made

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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 speculative The invisible skeleton of modern warfare Applied Aerospace is not a speculative, pre-revenue technology startup selling software promises. — Harvey Stober, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026 These platforms are colonizing existing speculative spaces—like election results and sporting outcomes—while profiting from areas of asymmetrical knowledge that were previously not possible to monetize. — Simon Denny, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026 Historically, a weaker dollar has made investors more willing to take risks, particularly in speculative assets such as cryptocurrencies. — Camila Grigera Naón, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026 His odds later fell, illustrating the highly speculative nature of the wagering. — ABC News, 30 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for speculative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for speculative
  1. hypothetical
  2. theoretical
  3. conjectural
Adjective
  • Farther from Tau Ceti, where the light was weaker, a hypothetical high-sensitivity camera could reveal them.
    — Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 18 Oct. 2026
  • In this approach, researchers come up with hypothetical scenarios based on existing technology trends, leaning into certain features.
    — Lissa Soep, Vox, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of hypothetical
Adjective
  • The measurements showed relatively strong emission from the single crystal, consistent with theoretical predictions.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Planning for a theoretical catastrophe can lead clients in unexpected directions.
    — Megan Buerger, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of theoretical
Adjective
  • The first two questions are too hypothetical and conjectural.
    — Baltimore Sun staff, Baltimore Sun, 20 May 2026
  • Projections of economic gains from major sporting events are typically optimistic, euphoric, chimerical or conjectural.
    — Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2025
Definition of conjectural

Browse Nearby Words

speculations
speculative
speculator
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Cite this Entry

“Speculative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/speculative. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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