Thesaurus results for WAGER

wager 1 of 2

noun

ˈwā-jər

Definition of wager

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

The 9th Circuit ruling conflicts with a 3rd Circuit decision against New Jersey, which found that sports wagers on prediction markets are swaps. — Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026 While there are responsible sports bettors out there, young investors should understand the risks and costs of mixing their wagers with their long-term financial plans. — Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026

Verb

These markets, which allow traders to wager on anything from sports to elections and pop culture, have exploded over the past two years. — Camila Grigera Naón, Fortune, 25 Aug. 2026 The issue has also drawn congressional attention as lawmakers have pushed for tighter restrictions on government employees wagering on events related to their official duties. — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wager

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wager

Noun

Whether in the form of comedy or drama, these stories come with their stakes already built in.

— Naomi Fry, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026
Many important details remain unclear, including the identity of the private operator, who will cover necessary investments and how America’s stake in the company breaks down.

— Collin Binkley, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of stake

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

Browse Nearby Words

wage earners

wager

wagered

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Style

“Wager.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wager. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of wager

noun

verb

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