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
The Democratic left is making a complicated—and quite ironic—internal gamble here. — David Frum, The Atlantic, 19 Aug. 2026 The bold plan to transform the Mets from a very good team that underachieved in 2025 to one full of injury-prone stars in 2026 was a gamble that didn’t pay off. — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 19 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
  • He was projected as a late-round draft pick in 2026, and another productive season, along with further development in the SEC, could boost his chances for a lasting NFL career starting in 2027.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Then, there will be another chance for some showers Friday into Saturday as a cold front approaches.
    — Bill Kelly, CBS News, 25 Aug. 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
  • 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
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 2 Sep. 2026.

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