speculated

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 dope 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.

Asked why nothing was done until now, he speculated that it’s such a “big issue” — emotionally charged and logistically challenging — that the agencies didn’t want to touch it.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 30, 2026

Speaking to CBS’ “Face the Nation” on Sunday, Sen. Lindsey Graham speculated on a future where negotiations fell through.

From Salon • Jun. 21, 2026

Political commentators have long speculated Newsom will use his elevated platform to seek the presidency in the 2028 election.

From BBC • Jun. 15, 2026

For months, investors have speculated that Musk’s ultimate goal is to combine his empire as he’s already been tying various businesses closer together.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 10, 2026

For years gunters had speculated that Anorak still roamed the OASIS, now as an autonomous NPC.

From "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline