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
By defining and operationalizing the Fit Intelligence Layer, True Fit is making a clear bet on how the industry will evolve. — Footwear News, 18 Aug. 2026 The short end of the curve tends to follow the Federal Reserve's policy rate, while the long end reflects bets on growth and inflation. — Matt Peterson, CNBC, 18 Aug. 2026
Verb
With Balmoral and Maywood off the Illinois racing map, Arlington and Hawthorne would divide the simulcast betting pie. — Neil Milbert, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026 The Gunners’ crown ended a 22-year drought, and Arsenal is betting pick to repeat (per DraftKings) at +150, followed by Manchester City +280 and Liverpool +500. — Greg Cote august 16, Miami Herald, 16 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bet
  1. stake
  2. choice
  3. put
  4. wager
  5. favorite
Noun
  • Backstage, Tommaso Ciampa says this year’s Casino Gauntlet has the biggest stakes since the winner earns a chance at the AEW World Championship.
    — Rob Wolkenbrod, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
  • One of Thrive’s subsidiaries, Thrive Eternal, focuses on sports acquisitions, purchasing and selling a stake in the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies before acquiring stakes in the Miami Heat and MLB’s San Francisco Giants, among others.
    — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of stake
Noun
  • In May, The Athletic exclusively reported that Mourinho was Perez’s choice to replace Alvaro Arbeloa as manager at the end of 2025-26.
    — Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
  • As for metal, solid gold, whether yellow, white, or rose, remains the steadiest choice, aging with grace and holding its value across the years.
    — Pooja Mistry, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of choice
Verb
  • But others take issue with her premise the exercises are unnecessary, arguing that scaling them back puts US forces –– almost 30,000 of them stationed in South Korea and over 50,000 more in nearby Japan –– in a more dangerous situation.
    — Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Paying it would inevitably put Meta Platforms in bankruptcy and perhaps put the company under state ownership.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of put
Noun
  • Kalshi is still allowing wagers related to what people say at political events, earnings calls and live TV newscasts.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 14 Aug. 2026
  • In IconArrows pointing outwards Berkshire also continued to build a sizable wager on the airline industry, a past favorite of Buffett's.
    — Yun Li, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of wager
Noun
  • Vegas has tabbed the Red Raiders as the overwhelming favorite.
    — Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Manley, though, was more circumspect about Wasserman Schultz’s status as the favorite.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 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 21 Aug. 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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