gamble 1 of 2

noun

Definition of gamblenext
as in chance
a risky undertaking it's a gamble, but I'm willing to take the risk

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

gamble

2 of 2

verb

ˈgam-bəl How to pronounce gamble (audio)
as in to 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

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 gamble
Noun
At last, the gamble paid off, and the next generation of this franchise ushered in the next generation of Star Trek fans. — Chris Snellgrove, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Aug. 2026 But most importantly, Gakpo will make that forward run into the penalty area, gamble on the ball reaching him at the back post, and get into promising positions with more frequency than most wingers do. — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 5 Aug. 2026
Verb
At least, the team may never shove its chips into the center of the table to gamble on a handful of starts from a rental pitcher. — Andy McCullough, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026 The bet was clearly a lighthearted joke between friends, but after posting it, the WNBA seems to have regretted the optics of the league promoting two players gambling on a game, which is prohibited in the league’s collective bargaining agreement. — Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for gamble
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gamble
  1. chance
  2. bet
  3. venture
  4. put
  5. wager
Noun
  • The month of August offers some respite, a chance to reflect and reset before September kicks things into gear once more.
    — Sophie Lou Wilson, Vogue, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The rookie didn't get a chance to show off his strikeout celebration, walking three and throwing a wild pitch that set up Mauricio Dubón's sacrifice fly.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of chance
Verb
  • Three Congress members sent a letter to Major League Baseball and its players' association Monday to prohibit promotional deals with betting operators after Phillies star Bryce Harper was featured in a video for a FanDuel VIP reward customer.
    — Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Africa’s dealmakers are betting that the continent’s capital markets are entering a new phase, with a burst of IPO and M&A activity kicking off with Aliko Dangote’s anticipated $5 billion listing of his refinery on the Nigerian Exchange.
    — Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of bet
Noun
  • Investments in South Africa, Nigeria and Morocco were mostly led by domestic companies or joint ventures with local participation, the think tank said.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026
  • The lab is a joint venture with Mihira Visual Labs and Animatrik Film Design and offers unparalleled motion capture capabilities, supporting up to 20 performers simultaneously.
    — Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of venture
Verb
  • Willy Adames and Rafael Devers singled to start the fourth against Melton, putting runners at the corners.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026
  • As one University of Helsinki scholar of Chinese political economy put it, stablecoins can circulate beyond regulatory oversight, interfere with capital account management and complicate the central bank's control over settlement.
    — Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of put
Verb
  • Rozier and Laster, federal prosecutors allege, collaborated with sports gamblers so the gamblers could wager on Rozier’s prop bets for a Charlotte Hornets game in March 2023, when Rozier was still with the team.
    — Mike Vorkunov, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Los Angeles County election officials are examining steps ahead of the November midterms to respond to the rising popularity of election trading via prediction markets, including a possible ban on wagering for county election workers.
    — Justine McDaniel, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of wager

Phrases Containing gamble

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gambits
gamble
gambled
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Cite this Entry

“Gamble.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gamble. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of gamble for Spanish Speakers

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