bet 1 of 2

noun

ˈbet How to pronounce bet (audio)
Definition of betnext
1
as in stake
the money or thing risked on the outcome of an uncertain event she offered the bet of a free lunch if her team won the World Series

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in choice
a person or thing that is chosen your best bet would be the scenic route along the coast

Synonyms & Similar Words

bet

2 of 2

verb

as in to put
to risk (something) on the outcome of an uncertain event foolishly bet a week's salary on the World Series

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of bet
Noun
Investment dollars are flowing back into retail real estate this year, and shopping centers are proving to be one of the more reliable bets for institutional buyers. — Arthur Zackiewicz, Footwear News, 14 July 2026 In this case the bet is on the distant prospect that government approvals would eventually make the project real. — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026
Verb
But some companies are betting that mass-market neural tech won't require opening the skull at all. — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 13 July 2026 Auction houses have spent years betting that newer collecting categories would mature into significant businesses. — Daniel Cassady For Artnews, Robb Report, 13 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for bet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bet
  1. stake
  2. choice
  3. put
  4. wager
  5. favorite
Noun
  • Epstein currently holds a minority ownership stake in the Boston Red Sox and serves as a senior advisor to Fenway Sports Group.
    — Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 19 July 2026
  • Sheikh Hamad used gas revenue to give a set of actors who distrust one another a direct stake in Qatar staying open and useful.
    — Güney Yıldız, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
Definition of stake
Noun
  • Langeliers singled to right center in the third inning and made out as part of a fielder’s choice later in the inning.
    — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
  • Although justices were directly elected, state law at the time allowed governors to unilaterally appoint a candidate of their choice to the Supreme Court when a vacancy occurred in the middle of a judicial term.
    — Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 14 July 2026
Definition of choice
Verb
  • But prices at the pump began to climb again after Iran resumed attacks on ships trying to exit the strait and after the US retaliated and put a blockade on Iranian ports.
    — Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
  • Having said his piece, Armand puts a pen and paper in Louis’s headless hand.
    — Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 20 July 2026
Definition of put
Noun
  • Notably, contract certification filings with the CFTC for FanDuel Predicts to facilitate sports wagers with CME have been submitted by CME, on CME letterhead signed by CME employees.
    — Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 14 July 2026
  • Heritage’s record first half suggests that wager is continuing to pay off.
    — Daniel Cassady for ARTnews, Robb Report, 13 July 2026
Definition of wager
Noun
  • Dodgers fan favorite Kiké Hernández has built a reputation for clutch October moments and an easygoing personality.
    — Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026
  • While the celebration continues, Lamine Yamal and crew are already the favorites to retain the trophy at the 2030 tournament.
    — Dean Jones, New York Times, 20 July 2026
Definition of favorite

Browse Nearby Words

bests
bet
bête noire
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bet. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on bet

Nglish: Translation of bet for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bet

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