as in betting
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
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Recent Examples of gambling
In the brief clip (via Spin), the 51-year-old frontman of the Canadian rock band appears to be gambling in a casino when a female fan approaches him with an unwelcome request.
—
Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 15 Feb. 2026
The woman told sheriff’s officials that the men demanded money and other items from people playing cards and possibly gambling in the garage.
—Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 10 Feb. 2026
Even the addiction hotline 1-800-GAMBLER suddenly sounds like the number you’d dial to start gambling.
—Dan Piepenbring, New Yorker, 4 Feb. 2026
Aside from ads and other promotions, friend groups can also expose boys to gambling.
—Sherri Gordon, Parents, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gambling
Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 15 Feb. 2026
The woman told sheriff’s officials that the men demanded money and other items from people playing cards and possibly gambling in the garage.
—Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 10 Feb. 2026
Even the addiction hotline 1-800-GAMBLER suddenly sounds like the number you’d dial to start gambling.
—Dan Piepenbring, New Yorker, 4 Feb. 2026
Aside from ads and other promotions, friend groups can also expose boys to gambling.
—Sherri Gordon, Parents, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gambling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gambling
Verb
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New York and London coffee shop chain Blank Street is betting on it.—
Lucy Maguire,
Vogue,
17 Feb. 2026
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China’s tech giants are betting heavily on these versatile platforms.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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By wagering money, bettors are setting the odds on the amorous relationships of high-profile figures, from Zendaya to Katy Perry.—
Megan Cerullo,
CBS News,
14 Feb. 2026
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Virtually every election cycle sees at least one special interest duel, such as the 2022 battle between casino-owning tribes and sports wagering firms over whether California should allow betting on athletic events, which resulted in voters rejecting both competing measures.—
Dan Walters,
Mercury News,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
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In 2024, girl group ILLIT became the first K-pop rookie group to enter the Billboard 100 with their debut single, putting a bigger spotlight on the talent platformed in these shows.—
Rebecca Cairns,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
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Even with an already comfortable lead, Coronado’s attack kept putting shots on frame, logging two second-half goals.—
Clark Fahrenthold,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gambling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gambling. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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