What does "conjecture" mean?
A statement or an idea which is unproven, but is thought to be true; a guess.
Conjecture
/kənˈd͡ʒɛk.t͡ʃə(ɹ)/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A statement or an idea which is unproven, but is thought to be true; a guess.
- Grammar: conjecture is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: guess, hypothesis, speculation, supposition.
- Useful contrasts: conclusive proof, evidential support, geometric demonstration.
- Usage evidence: In any case, you are wrong in your conjecture.
How to use "conjecture"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "conjecture" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "conjecture" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "conjecture" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "conjecture" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
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- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "conjecture" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "guess" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "conjecture", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A statement or an idea which is unproven, but is thought to be true; a guess. countable, formal, uncountable
"I explained it, but it is pure conjecture whether he understood, or not."
- 2 reasoning that involves the formation of conclusions from incomplete evidence wordnet
- 3 A supposition based upon incomplete evidence; a hypothesis. countable, formal, uncountable
"The physicist used his conjecture about subatomic particles to design an experiment."
- 4 a hypothesis that has been formed by speculating or conjecturing (usually with little hard evidence) wordnet
- 5 A statement likely to be true based on available evidence, but which has not been formally proven. countable, uncountable
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 a message expressing an opinion based on incomplete evidence wordnet
- 7 Interpretation of signs and omens. countable, obsolete, uncountable
Verb
- 1 To guess; to venture an unproven idea. formal, intransitive
"I do not know if it is true; I am simply conjecturing here."
- 2 to believe especially on uncertain or tentative grounds wordnet
- 3 To infer on slight evidence; to guess at. transitive
"February 22, 1685, Robert South, All Contingences under the Direction of God's Providence (sermon preached at Westminster Abbey)"
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
conclusive proofevidential supportgeometric demonstrationgeometric proof
Example
"In any case, you are wrong in your conjecture."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "conjecture"?
Common synonyms include: guess, hypothesis, speculation, supposition, surmise, armchair guesswork.
How do you use "conjecture" in a sentence?
In any case, you are wrong in your conjecture.
How do you pronounce "conjecture"?
Pronounced /kənˈd͡ʒɛk.t͡ʃə(ɹ)/.
Etymology
From Old French, from Latin coniectūra (“a guess”), from coniectus, perfect passive participle of cōniciō (“throw or cast together; guess”), from con- (“together”) + iaciō (“throw, hurl”); see jet. Compare adjective, eject, inject, project, reject, subject, object, trajectory, deject, abject, surjection, bijection, interject. Compare typologically Russian прики́дывать (prikídyvatʹ) (akin to кида́ть (kidátʹ)).