gambling

Definition of gamblingnext
present participle of gamble
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

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 gambling If Hormuz did reopen, some shipowners have been busy positioning their vessels for a potential reopening, gambling on a rate surge as the number of cargoes increases and ships remain out of position. Bloomberg, Oc Register, 12 June 2026 Mickelson was one of the most popular players on the PGA Tour before his controversial move to LIV and comments about his Saudi backers, and his career survived some unsavory headlines, several of which pertained to gambling. Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026 Most states have argued in court that all sports bets on these sites should be prohibited, arguing those bets one prediction sites are largely indistinguishable from gambling. Marshall Cohen, CNN Money, 10 June 2026 In addition to gambling on the Hoosiers, while on the team, the quarterback also placed a number of bets on Indiana basketball. Trey Wallace Outkick, FOXNews.com, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for gambling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gambling
Verb
  • After acquiring Garrett and two-time All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie in high-profile offseason trades, the Rams have emerged as the betting favorites to win Super Bowl LXI.
    Jeff Howe, New York Times, 16 June 2026
  • Wagering has jumped to the forefront of college football as Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby won a court order early last week that restored his eligibility and set aside a ban by the NCAA for betting on pro and college sports.
    ABC News, ABC News, 15 June 2026
Verb
  • Backdoor betting refers to wagering through less regulated channels like prediction markets, rather than highly regulated state casinos and sportsbooks.
    Matt Motta, The Conversation, 16 June 2026
  • The Big 12 also has its own sports betting policy that forbids coaches, staff and athletes from engaging in sports wagering activity that undermines the integrity of games.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 15 June 2026
Verb
  • Then there’s writing it, and then there’s putting it out.
    Holly Gleason, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026
  • Despite her shooting woes, Clark still controlled the game by consistently putting teammates in position to score.
    James Boyd, New York Times, 17 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Gambling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gambling. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.

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