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Showing results for speculate.
Definitions

speculate

[spek-yuh-leyt] / ˈspɛk yəˌleɪt /
VERB
think about deeply and theorize
Synonyms
STRONGEST
contemplate figure out guess hypothesize read reflect ruminate surmise weigh wonder
STRONG
brainstorm cerebrate cogitate conjecture consider deliberate excogitate figure guesstimate meditate muse reason review scheme study suppose suspect
WEAK
beat one's brains build castles in air call it call the turn chew over dope out have a hunch hazard a guess head-trip kick around pipe-dream psych out read between lines run it up flagpole size up
Antonyms
STRONGEST
disregard ignore neglect
STRONG
dismiss forget know
WEAK
abstain
VERB
gamble, risk
Synonyms
STRONG
dare hazard play plunge venture
WEAK
make book margin up play the market pour money into spec stick neck out take a chance take a flier take a fling wildcat
Antonyms
WEAK
abstain ignore neglect

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.

Specialists with the Department of Fish and Wildlife speculate that he may have lost his toes due to umbilical cord strangulation.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

The trade essentially gets the options market to pay investors to speculate that the ETF will be above $660 on April 17.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

They can be used to protect a portfolio against further short-term pain in the stock market, or to speculate on a decline.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 19, 2026

We are compelled to speculate, which enriches the drama.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 10, 2026

Its preferred prey is humans, which Magizoologists speculate is the result of the cruelty with which Phineas Fletcher was known to treat the unfortunate creatures in his power.

From "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" by J.K. Rowling

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.