Synonyms for

Speculated

Verb / ˈspekjʌˌleɪtɪd / Another word for speculated — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

To form a theory or conjecture about a subject without firm evidence.

Synonyms & similar words

thinkover theorise conjecture job mullover meditate hypothesise theorize mull ruminate contemplate reflect speculate hypothesize muse excogitate ponder hypothecate chewover suppose conjecture guess surmise hypothesize theorize suppose presume assume postulate suspect think believe imagine opine fancy reckon doubt wonder consider contemplate

Synonyms by register

Formal

theorized hypothesized surmised conjectured

Informal

guessed figured thought reckoned

Literary

pondered mused divined

Antonyms

known certain proven confirmed verified established

Common collocations

  • speculated wildly
  • speculated about the future
  • speculated on the cause
  • widely speculated
  • speculated that
  • speculated to be

Word family

noun speculation
verb speculate
adjective speculative
adverb speculatively

Usage note

Often used to describe forming theories without firm evidence. Be mindful of the register; 'speculated' is generally neutral to formal.

Example sentences

  1. Many people speculated about what happened to the missing cat.
  2. The scientists speculated about the possibility of life on other planets.
  3. I can only speculate about the reasons for her sudden departure.
  4. He speculated that the new restaurant would be very popular.
  5. She speculated that the weather would remain sunny all week.

Quotes

  • I'm not a politician and my other habits are good, too. - W. C. Fields
  • Don't speculate unless you can make it come true. - Billie Holiday
  • Speculation is only a word covering the making of money out of the manipulation of prices, instead of supplying goods and services. - Henry Ford

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