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.

See Examples For:

speculated

Some speculated it might be a chemical spill, while others appeared to revel in the novelty of the scene.

From BBC ● Jul. 22, 2026

Analysts have previously speculated that the company is better positioned than competitors to gain market share, as it can more easily pass on rising costs to loyal consumers.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 14, 2026

"I don't think we know for sure," French envoy Duchene speculated about the origins of the artwork.

From Barron's ● Jul. 10, 2026

Many telecom executives and investors have speculated for years about whether the company would offer some sort of phone that could tap its satellite links.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 2, 2026

Papa said scientists speculated that from the moon, the earth looked blue.

From "Between Shades of Gray" by Ruta Sepetys