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

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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
Some organizations, however, appear to be making a very different bet. — Michael Edmondson, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 The World Economic Forum calls it financial nihilism — the conclusion that the system no longer rewards prudence, driving a cohort toward crypto bets, prediction markets, and raided retirement accounts. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 6 July 2026
Verb
For months, industry watchers had bet on American names, such as Ralph Lauren, or on Vivienne Westwood, whom Swift wears often. — ABC News, 6 July 2026 Any concerns that expanding the tournament to forty-eight teams would bring lopsided outcomes evaporated as underdog nations defied betting odds again and again. — Albert Samaha, New Yorker, 6 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
  • OpenAI has reportedly floated an offer to give the federal government a 5 percent ownership stake in the company.
    — James Broughel, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
  • The Coast Guard emphasized the high-stakes rescue serves as a powerful reminder of why its crews train constantly and remain ready to respond at any hour of the day or night.
    — Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
Definition of stake
Noun
  • The more intentional your choices, the more high-end your bathroom will feel.
    — Marisa Suzanne Martin, The Spruce, 8 July 2026
  • Then in 2025, Deschanel revealed that initial casting choice in question was Katie Holmes.
    — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 8 July 2026
Definition of choice
Verb
  • In his fifth-inning at-bat, Stephenson was on the other side of two successful challenges by Rutschman that put him down 1-2 in the count instead of up 3-0.
    — C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 6 July 2026
  • Go on, put the 131-cube (2,147 cc) monster engine into that one.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 July 2026
Definition of put
Noun
  • For example, a Google engineer was charged in May for allegedly using his employer’s search trend data to place wagers on the platform.
    — Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 4 July 2026
  • Over $2 million has reportedly already been pumped into that risk-free wager.
    — Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 3 July 2026
Definition of wager
Noun
  • Now England, one of the World Cup title favorites, will face Norway, one of the tournament’s surprise teams that upset Brazil, in a tournament quarterfinal to be played on July 11 in Miami.
    — Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Walk the rows, clip your favorites and take home a custom bouquet.
    — Melissa Oyler, Charlotte Observer, 6 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 12 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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