speculation
Definitions
The forming of a theory or conjecture without firm evidence.
Investment in stocks, property, or other ventures in the hope of gain but with the risk of loss.
Contemplative thought or deep consideration of a subject.
Examples
The sudden rise in stock prices led to widespread speculation about a potential merger.
There has been much speculation regarding who will be appointed as the new CEO.
His theory remains pure speculation until more scientific evidence can be gathered.
Synonyms
conjecture supposition surmise hypothesis theory guesswork inference