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.

For starters, it’s much easier for ordinary investors to speculate on precious metals so things happen faster.

From The Wall Street Journal

Other analysts have speculated that economic policy uncertainty might have fallen dramatically on Friday.

From MarketWatch

"We'd respectfully ask people not to speculate on the circumstances so our enquiries can continue unhindered."

From BBC

"A lot of people are speculating we're going to get a tremendous amount of money - it doesn't work like that," Paul said.

From BBC

In Tel Aviv, residents still living with the wreckage from Iranian missile strikes last June are speculating about another conflict.

From BBC