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Definition of "speculative" []

  • Of, characterized by, or based upon contemplative speculation. See Synonyms at theoretical. (adjective)
  • Given to conjecture or speculation. (adjective)
  • Marked by inquisitive interest: raised a speculative eyebrow. (adjective)
  • Engaging in, given to, or involving financial speculation: speculative brokers; speculative stocks. (adjective)
  • Spent in speculation: speculative funds. (adjective)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "speculative" in a sentence
  • "I like the term speculative fiction because it encompasses a broad range of genres and tropes: SF, fantasy, horror, alt history, etc."
  • "I prefer the term speculative fiction anyway and imagining the throught process of a chimp is certainly speculative."
  • "Traders say the most recent bout of selling isn't coming from fast-moving hedge funds making short term speculative bets."