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.

Analysts have speculated that Musk may eventually merge his biggest holdings together to create one large company focused on EVs, robots, self-driving cars, rockets, AI, social media and more.

From MarketWatch

Valentina Vee, 33, a director and cinematographer based in Los Angeles, posted a thread on X speculating on the show’s lighting setup based on scrutiny of images she could find online from behind the scenes.

From The Wall Street Journal

Lacking clear written or archaeological evidence, however, we are left to speculate as to why the Mayan story ended as it did.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

Mr. Powell wisely avoided speculating on how energy prices might filter through to inflation data.

From The Wall Street Journal

speculate

Example Sentences

Related Words