Synonym Chooser

How is the word speculate different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of speculate are cogitate, deliberate, reason, reflect, and think. While all these words mean "to use one's powers of conception, judgment, or inference," speculate implies reasoning about things theoretical or problematic.

speculated on the fate of the lost explorers

When can cogitate be used instead of speculate?

In some situations, the words cogitate and speculate are roughly equivalent. However, cogitate implies deep or intent thinking.

cogitated on the mysteries of nature

When would deliberate be a good substitute for speculate?

The synonyms deliberate and speculate are sometimes interchangeable, but deliberate suggests slow or careful reasoning before forming an opinion or reaching a conclusion or decision.

the jury deliberated for five hours

Where would reason be a reasonable alternative to speculate?

Although the words reason and speculate have much in common, reason stresses consecutive logical thinking.

able to reason brilliantly in debate

When might reflect be a better fit than speculate?

While the synonyms reflect and speculate are close in meaning, reflect suggests unhurried consideration of something recalled to the mind.

reflecting on fifty years of married life

In what contexts can think take the place of speculate?

The meanings of think and speculate largely overlap; however, think is general and may apply to any mental activity, but used alone often suggests attainment of clear ideas or conclusions.

teaches students how to think

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of speculate Given a deteriorating customer service experience since the early days of the pandemic, customers had long speculated Cub Foods would abandon the Midway. Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 22 July 2025 There is not one proper way to invest and speculate in the markets. Todd Gordon, CNBC, 22 July 2025 Since the film and its music have garnered a lot of attention, many speculate that a sequel is imminent. Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025 For years, top Trumpworld figures, some of whom currently hold top administration posts, and even the president himself, speculated about Epstein’s death and his alleged blackmail operation. Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 14 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for speculate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for speculate
Verb
  • Meanwhile, when other platforms misfire spectacularly, we're left guessing whether this reflects leadership views, corporate risk aversion, regulatory pressure, or accident.
    CBS News, CBS News, 15 July 2025
  • But in the meantime, relatives could only guess the severity of the injury by observing the facial expressions of Nuggets personnel.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • Experts have long assumed that the instrument had been destroyed or lost to history.
    Asia London Palomba, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 July 2025
  • Complex Interagency Incident Management Team 9 (Gould) assumed command of the Marble Complex at 6:00 p.m. on July 5, 2025.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • On her perfect day, in the arms of her youngest daughter, after being shot by a man who wasn't supposed to be in possession of a gun, Beverly Gumm chose her last breath.
    Stephanie Kuzydym, The Courier-Journal, 14 July 2025
  • You're not really supposed to do that as the Attorney General.
    ABC News, ABC News, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • Madsen’s death appeared to be from natural causes, with no foul play suspected, per NBC4 Los Angeles citing a local sheriff's department.
    Jack Smart, People.com, 15 July 2025
  • Fans suspect its title will be Iceman, based on Drake using the name across social media captions and video promotions in recent weeks.
    Trevor Anderson, Billboard, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • Here are other things that came out of Engelbert’s availability: Engelbert said the WNBA is thinking about expanding its future scheduling footprint as well as the number of games played in upcoming seasons.
    Ben Pickman, New York Times, 20 July 2025
  • Why do otherwise well-mannered people think open-mouth chewing is socially acceptable?
    R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Speculate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/speculate. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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