Synonyms for
Speculate
Definition
to form a theory or conjecture about a subject without firm evidence
Synonyms & similar words
mullover
hypothesize
conjecture
hypothecate
theorise
chewover
excogitate
suppose
mull
ruminate
ponder
contemplate
reflect
muse
theorize
hypothesise
thinkover
job
meditate
conjecture
guess
surmise
assume
presume
suppose
infer
reckon
postulate
theorize
hypothesize
opine
believe
think
imagine
fancy
suspect
doubt
question
wonder
Synonyms by register
Formal
Literary
Antonyms
Common collocations
- speculate wildly
- speculate on the future
- speculate about the causes
- speculate in stocks
- speculate freely
- speculate on the outcome
- speculate about possibilities
Word family
Usage note
Often used when forming an opinion or theory without firm evidence. Can sometimes imply a degree of risk, especially in financial contexts.
Example sentences
- She likes to speculate about what life would be like on other planets.
- I speculate that the price of gold will go up in the coming months.
- Don't speculate about what happened until you hear the whole story.
- We can only speculate about what caused the accident.
- Some people speculate that the company will go bankrupt soon.
Quotes
I don't like to speculate, but I think we're in trouble.
It is easier to speculate than to investigate, but it is no less perilous.
Speculation is perfectly all right, but if you stay there you've only founded a superstition.