gambled

past tense of gamble
as in 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

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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 gambled Brendan Sorsby gambled on his own team to win a football game. Trey Wallace Outkick, FOXNews.com, 2 June 2026 The company would have simply gambled on the wrong player. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 26 May 2026 Suarez wisely gambled on there being another downpour, taking only two tires when the rest of the leaders took four on a late pit stop with about 50 laps to go. Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 25 May 2026 In what would turn out to be the most pivotal decision of the Lakers’ season, Dončić and Reaves gambled — a bet that would cost Dončić the remainder of the season and playoffs, and Reaves all but the end of the playoffs. Dan Woike, New York Times, 12 May 2026 Even the late Apple cofounder Steve Jobs gambled his own security for success. Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 11 May 2026 Washington gambled that losing some to inoculation was better than losing a war to the virus. Katrine L. Wallace, The Conversation, 28 Apr. 2026 On Wednesday, Kalshi announced that three politicians running for federal office had gambled on their own elections. CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026 On Wednesday, Kalshi announced that three politicians running for federal office had gambled on their own elections. ABC News, 26 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gambled
Verb
  • Businesses are betting on the World Cup, night markets and cultural events to revive Olvera Street.
    Angela Osorio, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2026
  • However, some bitcoin and crypto traders are betting that some of the cash that has entered the system due to the SpaceX IPO could soon be heading toward bitcoin.
    Billy Bambrough, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
Verb
  • In addition to the fear of deportation, the ruling puts thousands of immigrants at risk of losing their work authorization and their jobs, according to a Haitian-American journalist.
    Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 26 June 2026
  • That lawsuit, in part, accuses City Attorney Miko Brown of pushing airport officials to investigate a charter airline's safety record -- not because of genuine safety concerns, but to create legal cover for a city council vote that put $90 million in federal grant money at risk.
    Brian Maass, CBS News, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • For instance, if that same sports bettor wagered $100 on Canada to beat Bosnia and Herzegovina (odds of -100), the bettor would have lost as the match ended in a draw.
    Nathan Goldman, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
  • Table tennis remains one of the most popular sports for Colorado gamblers to bet on, with $989 million wagered since legalization.
    Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 18 June 2026
Verb
  • The smallest nation by size (171 square miles) and population — 158,000, or twice the size of Arrowhead Stadium’s capacity — stood with all fans as the national anthems for both teams played.
    Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 21 June 2026
  • Dalal said their son played there daily with his friends, taking advantage of a club policy that allows children under five to enter without a membership.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 21 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Gambled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gambled. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.

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