speculated

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 dope 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.

He also speculated that the Bloomberg report is the “latest attempt” by SpaceX to get a mobile virtual network operator partnership, or MVNO, with one of the “Big Three” U.S. telecom companies.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 29, 2026

Some fans speculated that Swift was using the arena to distract from her real wedding venue - but Gaffney said it seemed like much effort just for a decoy.

From BBC • Jun. 25, 2026

Speaking to CBS’ “Face the Nation” on Sunday, Sen. Lindsey Graham speculated on a future where negotiations fell through.

From Salon • Jun. 21, 2026

Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen kicked in more than $20 million to fund SpaceShipOne’s journey, which some speculated would develop into a space tourism industry.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 15, 2026

The American press speculated about the meaning of these developments.

From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin