conjecture conjecture /kənˈdʒɛkʃɝ/

noun

1. () A hypothesis that has been formed by speculating or conjecturing (usually with little hard evidence)  ( conjecture , speculation )
   a hypothesis that has been formed by speculating or conjecturing (usually with little hard evidence)
    Speculations about the outcome of the election
   speculations about the outcome of the election
    He dismissed it as mere conjecture
   he dismissed it as mere conjecture
   
2. Reasoning that involves the formation of conclusions from incomplete evidence  ( conjecture )
   reasoning that involves the formation of conclusions from incomplete evidence
   
3. A message expressing an opinion based on incomplete evidence  ( conjecture , hypothesis , supposition , guess , speculation , surmisal , surmise )
   a message expressing an opinion based on incomplete evidence
   

verb

1. () To believe especially on uncertain or tentative grounds  ( hypothecate , hypothesise [British] , theorise [British] , conjecture , hypothesize , speculate , suppose , theorize )
   to believe especially on uncertain or tentative grounds
    Scientists supposed that large dinosaurs lived in swamps
   Scientists supposed that large dinosaurs lived in swamps