guesswork

[ges-wurk] / ˈgɛsˌwɜrk /

NOUN

guess

Synonyms

STRONGEST

conjecture hunch

STRONG

assumption conclusion deduction divination estimate fancy feeling guesstimate hypothesis induction inference judgment notion opinion postulate postulation prediction presumption presupposition

WEAK

ballpark figure reck

Antonyms

STRONGEST

proof reality truth

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.

Which has required some guesswork about what that essence really was.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 9, 2026

Intelligence analysts don’t have to rely so much on guesswork.

From Slate • Feb. 3, 2026

For the past few months, investors and policymakers have had to rely on guesswork to determine the path of inflation.

From Barron's • Dec. 5, 2025

The one great thing about death is that it takes the guesswork out of all of this, or at least it’s supposed to.

From Salon • Nov. 27, 2025

It was all guesswork: very likely he had imagined everything.

From "1984" by George Orwell