What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
speculate
Example
I can only speculate about what happened to the missing money. [speculate: verb]
Example
The news article speculates on the reasons behind the sudden resignation. [speculates: third person singular present]
surmise
Example
Based on the evidence, I can only surmise that he was involved in the crime. [surmise: verb]
Example
Her surmise that the company was going bankrupt turned out to be correct. [surmise: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Speculate is more commonly used than surmise in formal contexts such as business, finance, and politics. Surmise is more commonly used in everyday conversation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between speculate and surmise?
Speculate is more formal than surmise. It is often used in professional settings and academic writing, while surmise is more casual and can be used in everyday conversation.
