wager 1 of 2

Definition of wagernext
as in stake
the money or thing risked on the outcome of an uncertain event lost her wager when the horse dropped out of the race

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wager

2 of 2

verb

as in to bet
to risk (something) on the outcome of an uncertain event wagered 20 dollars that his favorite team would win

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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 wager
Noun
Such prescient wagers have raised eyebrows — and accusations that prediction markets are ripe for insider trading. Ken Sweet, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2026 Its main competitor is Polymarket, but many other firms—including Robinhood and Coinbase—have begun offering prediction market wagers, too. Carlos Garcia, Fortune, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
Prediction markets like Kalshi, where users wager on outcomes of political events, show billionaire Tom Steyer’s stock soaring over the weekend. Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 13 Apr. 2026 But Burmeister could legally wager on sports on Kalshi starting at 18. Carlos Garcia, Fortune, 10 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wager
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wager
Noun
  • Carbios said the shift was driven in part by a non-cash impairment of 15 million euros (about $17 million) tied to its stake in Carbiolice.
    Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 17 Apr. 2026
  • Seidler took over as club chairman in November 2020 and completed buying out Fowler’s stake in the team the next year.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Republicans are betting that a shift back to economic messaging after weeks of war in Iran will help reset the political landscape ahead of the midterm elections.
    Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 12 Apr. 2026
  • Instead of betting everything on one approach, companies are spreading their bets across multiple technologies.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 12 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Though the arrest took place in 2023, the case faced new scrutiny in March after a video of the altercation — showing her yelling, putting Mortensen in a headlock and throwing chairs at him while a child could be heard crying — was published by TMZ.
    Luke Chinman, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026
  • To have that as something that will live in my memory is worth whatever mental or emotional friction exists in rising from the comfort of my bed and putting my feet down on the floor.
    Hanif Abdurraqib, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2026

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“Wager.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wager. Accessed 19 Apr. 2026.

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