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

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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 gamble
Noun
While rookie Justin Crawford could change things and Brandon Marsh is now enjoying an All-Star season, not every gamble has paid off. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026 Pathé’s decision to release the two parts so closely together was an unprecedented gamble, but the strategy is paying off. — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 10 July 2026
Verb
But here, Mercedes took a leaf out of Red Bull’s book from 2021 and left Russell out — gambling that track position in the snake would become key. — Alex Kalinauckas, New York Times, 7 July 2026 The Sunday Times has reported claims about Farage’s financial relationship with George Cottrell, an aristocratic, crypto-gambling entrepreneur and on-off aide to the Reform UK leader. — ABC News, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for gamble
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gamble
  1. chance
  2. bet
  3. venture
  4. put
  5. wager
Noun
  • Residents in Congressional District 24 will get a chance to hear from candidates running to fill the seat of outgoing Congresswoman Frederica Wilson at a forum held in Little Haiti.
    — Raisa Habersham, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
  • Having one copy of the APOE4 variant may double or triple the chance of developing Alzheimer’s, while having two copies may raise risk by tenfold or more.
    — Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
Definition of chance
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
Definition of bet
Noun
  • The first, and flagship offering of her brewing venture is called 78-0, a Hazy India Pale Ale.
    — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 18 July 2026
  • Her latest venture, however, promotes not a particular writer or event, but the freedom to read.
    — Sophia Nguyen, The Atlantic, 18 July 2026
Definition of venture
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
Verb
  • France is +156 to win in regulation, meaning a bettor could wager $100 to profit $156 if Les Bleus prevail in the first 90 minutes.
    — Jim Barnes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 July 2026
  • The gist of the case is that live, rapid and in-play wagering options known as microbetting constitute design defects.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 14 July 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 20 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on gamble

Nglish: Translation of gamble for Spanish Speakers

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