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Showing results for speculate. Search instead for spekulantens.
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.

It has urged people not to speculate about the identity of the suspects, saying: "This may lead to additional tensions within our local communities."

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

Exploring these accounts, I found that many lead back to Choudhury, keen to speculate and fantasize about which species might be in “The End of Oak Street.”

From Salon • Apr. 12, 2026

Researchers speculate that people may have brought the rodent to California as a natural remedy to battle overgrowing vegetation or simply because they liked them.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

The trade essentially gets the options market to pay investors to speculate that the ETF will be above $660 on April 17.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

“That’s the kinda thing you just can’t speculate about,” Bobby says.

From "It’s Kind of a Funny Story" by Ned Vizzini

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!