at stake

phrase

: at issue : in jeopardy
Millions of dollars are at stake.
Many lives/jobs are at stake.

Examples of at stake in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
When public dollars are at stake, a worthy idea alone is not enough. — Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026 Their livelihoods were at stake, and fashion companies like H&M that would have bought that cotton were left hanging. — Bella Webb, Vogue, 15 Oct. 2026 But Libertad underscores that there is far too much at stake in Puerto Rico at this moment for the band to operate from a place of complacency. — Vanessa Diaz, Rolling Stone, 15 Oct. 2026 The most valuable thing at stake on Saturday will the Bluebonnet Battle trophy and a chance to snap Baylor’s four-game winning streak. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for at stake

Word History

First Known Use

1609, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of at stake was in 1609

Rhymes for at stake

See All Rhymes for at stake

Browse Nearby Words

at speed
at stake
at stud
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“At stake.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20stake. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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