speculative

[spek-yuh-ley-tiv, -luh-tiv] / ˈspɛk yəˌleɪ tɪv, -lə tɪv /

ADJECTIVE

theoretical

Synonyms

STRONGEST

analytical dangerous experimental hypothetical risky unproved unproven unsubstantiated

WEAK

abstract assumed conceptive dicey formularized hairy hazardous ideal idealized ideological iffy in theory intellectual logical notional philosophical presumed uncertain

Antonyms

STRONGEST

proven safe

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.

Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei told state TV that reports of an agreement were "speculative" and "nothing has been finalised".

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

Of course, many IPOs are of small, highly speculative companies.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

Quantum computing remains a speculative investment, with Quantinuum and peers yet to broadly commercialize technology.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

This does not mean that companies doing seedy, speculative things won’t be included in the S&P 500.

From Slate • Jun. 5, 2026

I gave the lute’s neck a sour, speculative look.

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss

Vocabulary lists containing speculative

Grade 9, List 1

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"Macbeth" Vocabulary from Act V

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And Then There Were None

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