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 Some users even speculated that the spiral could be the work of aliens! Robert Lea, Space.com, 25 Mar. 2025 As the news of Pascal and Aniston's dinner hit the internet, many speculated about their relationship status. Lauryn Overhultz, Fox News, 24 Mar. 2025 Fans also speculate that the narrative that Grant was so close to choosing Litia may have affected his current relationship with Juliana. Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 24 Mar. 2025 Reddit Users React Redditors were eager to speculate on what the foreign object could be, offering various theories. Mark Davis, Newsweek, 16 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for speculate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for speculate
Verb
  • Wearing a dress with a print that includes white can often leave people guessing.
    Maria Ward, Vogue, 10 Apr. 2025
  • After a clue brought via a time machine (what else?), guesses for Yorkie included Lori Loughlin (Thicke), Kyle Richards (Jeong), and Erika Jayne (McCarthy-Wahlberg).
    Lauren Huff, EW.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • And there’s usually some wiggle room, a premium being paid to reap future opportunities or a discount to assume some risk.
    Evan Clark, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Kevin Brazile, in a tentative ruling issued on Thursday, denied CBS’ bid for a court order that would’ve temporarily blocked Sony’s efforts from assuming distribution.
    Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Overhaul in 2016: About seven years ago, the Florida Department of Transportation installed sturdier poles with narrower gaps to discourage drivers diving into lanes they are not supposed to be in.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2025
  • He was originally supposed to appear on the show that October, but was disinvited after he was photographed kissing multiple women and partying maskless in Alabama, breaking the COVID-19 protocols the show had in place amid the pandemic.
    Marina Watts, People.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • These tariffs target goods from more than 180 countries and territories, including China, Vietnam, and Thailand. Vendors impacted by the cancellations suspect the move was triggered by the trade dispute.
    Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Consumers who suspect they were fraudulently enrolled should immediately call their federal or state ACA marketplace, experts say.
    Julie Appleby, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • A couple years ago, fans even thought that Swift might make a cameo onthe medical drama, which is still on the air after 20 years.
    Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Staying silent for a few seconds can make people think of you as smart.
    Kathy and Ross Petras, Contributors, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Speculate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/speculate. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on speculate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!