pertaining to, of the nature of, or characterized by speculation, contemplation, conjecture, or abstract reasoning

a speculative approach.

theoretical, rather than practical

speculative conclusions.

given to speculation, as persons, the mind, etc.

of the nature of or involving commercial or financial speculation

speculative ventures.

engaging in or given to such speculation.

adjective

abstract , analytical , assumed , conceptive , dangerous , dicey , experimental , formularized , hairy , hazardous , hypothetical , ideal , idealized , ideological , iffy , intellectual , in theory , logical , notional , philosophical , presumed , risky , uncertain , unproved , unproven , unsubstantiated , cogitative , contemplative , deliberative , excogitative , meditative , pensive , reflective , ruminative , thinking , academic , theoretic , conjectural , inquiring , insecure , reflecting , supposititious , theoretical