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Showing results for speculate. Search instead for speculate/3.
Definitions

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.

Researchers speculate they likely got infected during an activity in which they were exposed to a rodent carrying the disease or its excrement.

From Salon • May 9, 2026

Some speculate that Andes virus outbreaks are increasing amid deforestation, which pushes rodents out of their natural habitats and closer to humans.

From MarketWatch • May 8, 2026

The pooled capital of small savers was loaned out to speculate on real estate.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026

At this time, Adams is hesitant to speculate on a possible public opening date.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

But then again, it seems hardly worthwhile to speculate greatly on such matters now when one knows one will, in all likelihood, be talking face to face with Miss Kenton within forty-eight hours.

From "The Remains of the Day" by Kazuo Ishiguro

Vocabulary lists containing speculate

Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List

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Common Senses: Spec, Spect, Spic ("Look")

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The Secret Life of Bees

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!