as in expanded
to use or develop (something) to get something else that has greater value
He hoped to parlay his basketball skills into a college scholarship.
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Recent Examples of parlayed
After all, the Paul brothers, Jake and Logan, famously parlayed their viral YouTube presences into professional careers, Jake as a boxer and Logan as a wrestler.
—
Jake Angelo, Fortune, 14 Feb. 2026
Castellanos parlayed his first All-Star season into a $100 million free-agent deal four years ago.
—Dennis Lin, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2026
After bouncing from team to team for years, Houser parlayed last season into the largest contract of his career.
—Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 10 Feb. 2026
For a reality television icon who parlayed his fame on Survivor into an acting and hosting career as well as two more appearances on the gold standard competition show, Colby Donaldson sure does have a lot of regrets.
—Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Jan. 2026
The Wolves parlayed 15 Thunder turnovers into 30 points the other way.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 30 Jan. 2026
The biggest financial winner of the college hiring cycle was Lane Kiffin, who parlayed his successful run at Ole Miss into a deal with LSU worth $91 million over seven years after Florida also showed interest.
—Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 22 Jan. 2026
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold parlayed a backup role with San Francisco into the starting job with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024, helping the team finish 14-3 with a playoff berth.
—Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 21 Jan. 2026
Former offensive assistants Matt LaFleur (Green Bay Packers), Zac Taylor (Cincinnati Bengals), Kevin O’Connell (Minnesota Vikings) and Liam Coen (Jacksonville Jaguars) parlayed their experience working under McVay into NFL head coach jobs.
—Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 7 Jan. 2026
Jake Angelo, Fortune, 14 Feb. 2026
Castellanos parlayed his first All-Star season into a $100 million free-agent deal four years ago.
—Dennis Lin, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2026
After bouncing from team to team for years, Houser parlayed last season into the largest contract of his career.
—Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 10 Feb. 2026
For a reality television icon who parlayed his fame on Survivor into an acting and hosting career as well as two more appearances on the gold standard competition show, Colby Donaldson sure does have a lot of regrets.
—Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Jan. 2026
The Wolves parlayed 15 Thunder turnovers into 30 points the other way.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 30 Jan. 2026
The biggest financial winner of the college hiring cycle was Lane Kiffin, who parlayed his successful run at Ole Miss into a deal with LSU worth $91 million over seven years after Florida also showed interest.
—Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 22 Jan. 2026
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold parlayed a backup role with San Francisco into the starting job with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024, helping the team finish 14-3 with a playoff berth.
—Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 21 Jan. 2026
Former offensive assistants Matt LaFleur (Green Bay Packers), Zac Taylor (Cincinnati Bengals), Kevin O’Connell (Minnesota Vikings) and Liam Coen (Jacksonville Jaguars) parlayed their experience working under McVay into NFL head coach jobs.
—Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 7 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for parlayed
Verb
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Initially created to oversee the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, the board has since expanded to address conflicts worldwide.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
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In 1998, the firm expanded into furniture with Mario Bellini’s revolutionary Bellini chair, which was awarded the prestigious Compasso d’Oro design award in 2001.—
Sofia Celeste,
Footwear News,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Her star turn had helped turn the Trojans around in recent weeks, powering a season-long win streak that was extended to six with a 66-59 victory over Wisconsin on Thursday.—
Ryan Kartje,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Feb. 2026
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Playing at Anfield a day after Arsenal extended its lead to nine points, Pep Guardiola’s chasers simply couldn't afford not to win.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Advertisement Takaichi’s hawkish approach to China has boosted her popularity.—
Jeff Kingston,
Time,
15 Feb. 2026
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The administration’s attacks on Lemon and independent journalists have boosted their online attention and revenue.—
Drew Harwell,
Washington Post,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The series adds to a growing wave of Iberian co-productions leveraging talent and locations from both countries, a trend that has accelerated as Spanish and Portuguese producers increasingly look to pool resources and expand their reach globally.—
Callum McLennan,
Variety,
17 Feb. 2026
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The January raid reshaped the balance of power in the country and accelerated changes to its most important economic asset.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed an ultra-stretchable material that repels nearly any liquid and holds up under extreme deformation.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
17 Feb. 2026
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Freret is one of three krewes throwing biodegradable beads developed at Louisiana State University.—
TRAVIS LOLLER,
Arkansas Online,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Premium news outlets aimed specifically at major investors and other serious financial institutions have increased significantly in recent years as media companies have looked to cater to premium advertisers and subscribers.—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
16 Feb. 2026
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As the sales increased, so did Pim's box goal.—
Kate Perez,
USA Today,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Reduce your high-rate debts Consumer debt has been rising year after year, and credit card balances alone have jumped dramatically in this economic climate.—
Aly J Yale,
CBS News,
16 Feb. 2026
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Whereas boys’ participation in all sports has remained stagnant, the number of girls has jumped by 35,000.—
Evan Webeck,
Mercury News,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
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That was a different place and time, when the Heat were mere complementary components away from title contention, which Chris Andersen certainly augmented.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
18 Feb. 2026
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In Newport Beach, one of the charter cities in Orange County, the Police Department is augmented by a contractor to help monitor parking issues.—
Erika I. Ritchie,
Oc Register,
18 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Parlayed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/parlayed. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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