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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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

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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 gamble
Noun
Many have already taken one fairly major financial gamble, packing up their lives and moving to the Gulf (of course, the lack of tax is another major influence here). — Inzamam Rashid, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026 But based on the promise of his tape and traits, Manning looks like the type of prospect worth the gamble. — Dane Brugler, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Verb
As pandemic-era ACA subsidies expire, premiums spike across Florida, forcing hundreds of thousands to drop coverage and pushing gig workers and small-business owners to gamble with their health. — Ali Swenson, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026 There was a report that he was seen gambling at a casino while the rest of his team was close by, playing a game. — David Troy Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gamble
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gamble
  1. chance
  2. bet
  3. venture
  4. put
  5. wager
Noun
  • Below, find last-chance deals on summer sandals, fall-ready booties, ultra-cute ballet flats, and more for up to 79 percent off.
    — Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The chances of flash flooding within 25 miles of any location in Jefferson and Hardin counties had increased to a moderate risk of 40% to 69%, Jones said.
    — Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of chance
Verb
  • The betting odds for that being the case would’ve been very low when training camp began.
    — Josh Kendall, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Two federal courts of appeals have now issued conflicting decisions on whether federal law preempts states from enforcing their sports betting laws against Kalshi and other prediction-market operators.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of bet
Noun
  • Japan’s Inpex, for example, formed a joint venture to expand its LNG investment in Australia’s Northern Territory.
    — Katie Silver, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026
  • His parents fostered the venture to instill responsibility and the value of time.
    — Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of venture
Verb
  • Costco is an awkward exhibit for putting shareholder-value maximization in the driver’s seat.
    — Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Espada is paid to put it in favorable positions, even when few seem to exist.
    — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of put
Verb
  • Fabian’s reporting put him in the crosshairs of strangers who had wagered fortunes on the subject matter of his article.
    — Finn Brunton, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The actor and musician plays a prominent role in what is expected to be a significant and long-running campaign for sports-wagering giant DraftKings.
    — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 31 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 4 Sep. 2026.

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