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.

Specialists with the Department of Fish and Wildlife speculate that he may have lost his toes due to umbilical cord strangulation.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Some speculate that the rulings could open the door to an intense regulatory crackdown on social-media companies, similar to the historic tobacco settlements of the 1990s.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 26, 2026

Some reports took the IBA saying Khelif has XY chromosomes to speculate that the fighter might have DSD.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

“It is therefore too early to speculate about specific policy implications.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 10, 2026

Others speculate that the name was chosen for its obvious symbolism: White often represents purity, and a rose often symbolizes love, peace, or the beauty of nature and life.

From "Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow" by Susan Campbell Bartoletti

speculate

Example Sentences

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