gamble 1 of 2

noun

Definition of gamblenext
as in chance
a risky undertaking it's a gamble, but I'm willing to take the risk

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

gamble

2 of 2

verb

ˈgam-bəl How to pronounce gamble (audio)
as in to bet
to risk (something) on the outcome of an uncertain event a foolish man who gambled his life savings on the lottery

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 gamble
Noun
The Democratic left is making a complicated—and quite ironic—internal gamble here. — David Frum, The Atlantic, 19 Aug. 2026 The bold plan to transform the Mets from a very good team that underachieved in 2025 to one full of injury-prone stars in 2026 was a gamble that didn’t pay off. — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 19 Aug. 2026
Verb
People have been informally betting on Mother Nature for more than 100 years, Pietruska said, dating to the 1880s when people in India would gamble on whether a rain gauge would overflow during a monsoon. — Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026 But the administration was unsatisfied with such a compromise, choosing to gamble on absolute victory. — Emma Ashford, Foreign Affairs, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gamble
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gamble
  1. chance
  2. bet
  3. venture
  4. put
  5. wager
Noun
  • He was projected as a late-round draft pick in 2026, and another productive season, along with further development in the SEC, could boost his chances for a lasting NFL career starting in 2027.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Then, there will be another chance for some showers Friday into Saturday as a cold front approaches.
    — Bill Kelly, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of chance
Verb
  • Unlike earlier rebounds, when traders mainly bet on short-term price gains, investors are now paying for exposure to bitcoin gains further into the future.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Media rights, sports betting help drive growth The value of live sports broadcasts has never been higher.
    — Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of bet
Noun
  • That venture has the strong backing of Ken Griffin, a local billionaire hedge fund manager and philanthropist.
    — Austin Horn, Miami Herald, 22 Aug. 2026
  • The firm focused on growth investments, raising capital from endowments, foundations, sovereign funds, and family offices, but has since grown into an investment giant in the venture space.
    — Kirk Ogunrinde, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of venture
Verb
  • Hospitals and other healthcare providers have warned that the changes could put additional financial pressure on rural facilities that rely heavily on Medicaid reimbursements.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
  • But the band fury is as climactic as anything that could be done continuing to have the full ensemble play… and Dudamel looked happy enough to put his baton down, turn around and just watch the group play for a few minutes.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of put
Verb
  • These markets, which allow traders to wager on anything from sports to elections and pop culture, have exploded over the past two years.
    — Camila Grigera Naón, Fortune, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The issue has also drawn congressional attention as lawmakers have pushed for tighter restrictions on government employees wagering on events related to their official duties.
    — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of wager

Phrases Containing gamble

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gambits
gamble
gambled
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Cite this Entry

“Gamble.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gamble. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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