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
If the Rays weren’t up for paying Skubal prices, Peralta is not a bad gamble as a low-risk, high-reward move. — Andy McCullough, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026 The dubiousness of the mayor’s position goes beyond his indefensible gamble with public health. — U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026
Verb
Driven by desperation, the migrants are gambling that the consequences of getting caught in Canada will outweigh the risks of remaining in the United States, the Mounties and human rights officials said. — Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 29 July 2026 But a federal judge blocked the prosecution, finding that federal law pre-empts the state’s laws on gambling. — Samantha Elkins, NBC news, 27 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
  • Additionally, Alvarez’s chances to hit a home run will get a pick-me-up from playing at home.
    — Josh Shepardson, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026
  • With a realistic chance of winning the World Series, the Rays were willing to go all-in.
    — John Romano, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of chance
Verb
  • Beijing is no longer betting on multibillion-dollar megaprojects to improve its position in the Western Hemisphere.
    — Natalia Cote-Muñoz, Foreign Affairs, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Play Video Japan and the US Treasury Department are now working together to a degree unseen in decades to shore up the currency, raising the stakes for anyone betting against it.
    — Mia Glass, Fortune, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of bet
Noun
  • Investments in South Africa, Nigeria and Morocco were mostly led by domestic companies or joint ventures with local participation, the think tank said.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026
  • The lab is a joint venture with Mihira Visual Labs and Animatrik Film Design and offers unparalleled motion capture capabilities, supporting up to 20 performers simultaneously.
    — Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of venture
Verb
  • Meanwhile, Roten and her husband are stretched thin, putting renovations of what was supposed to be a starter home on hold.
    — Natasha Chen, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The Moon’s Shadow Returns Published on NASA’s YouTube channel on July 29, the short trailer puts the emotional impact of totality front and center.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of put
Verb
  • Telehealth platforms aimed at elder care and chronic-disease management have proliferated, wagering that virtual visits and remote monitoring can partly substitute for a geriatrician or sleep specialist who doesn't exist within driving distance.
    — John Samuels, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Federal prosecutors say that Rozier agreed to accept a $100,000 payment to take himself out early from that 2023 Hornets game so that a group of sports gamblers could win money wagering on his prop bets.
    — Mike Vorkunov, New York Times, 31 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 9 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on gamble

Nglish: Translation of gamble for Spanish Speakers

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