as in betting
to risk (something) on the outcome of an uncertain event
a foolish man who gambled his life savings on the lottery
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of gambling
Native American oral histories refer to gambling frequently, said Robert Wiener, a postdoctoral fellow at Dartmouth University who has studied gambling and religion at Chaco Canyon in New Mexico, an ancient Puebloan center.
—
Evan Bush, NBC news, 3 Apr. 2026
For one, prediction markets affect people similarly from a behavioral standpoint, according to gambling addiction researchers and advocacy groups such as the National Council on Problem Gambling.
—Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 2 Apr. 2026
Numbers games Other trends have made fans and owners more receptive to gambling.
—Michael Delayo, The Conversation, 2 Apr. 2026
And that idea, of having a seat at the table, could never be more relevant at a time where tech titans seem to be gambling with the future of humanity.
—Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gambling
Evan Bush, NBC news, 3 Apr. 2026
For one, prediction markets affect people similarly from a behavioral standpoint, according to gambling addiction researchers and advocacy groups such as the National Council on Problem Gambling.
—Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 2 Apr. 2026
Numbers games Other trends have made fans and owners more receptive to gambling.
—Michael Delayo, The Conversation, 2 Apr. 2026
And that idea, of having a seat at the table, could never be more relevant at a time where tech titans seem to be gambling with the future of humanity.
—Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gambling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gambling
Verb
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Flagg and Knueppel traded places as betting favorites during the season, but Flagg’s 96-point outburst over two games on the second-to-last weekend might have tipped the scales.—
Schuyler Dixon,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Apr. 2026
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This could also open up the possibility that the organization could punish Sorsby for his gambling actions, given the NCAA has a very strict policy on betting.—
Trey Wallace OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The case maintains that exposure to sportsbook apps, particularly those that feature live, in-play wagering options known as microbetting, negligently causes severe gambling addictions.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
27 Apr. 2026
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Authorities allege that the soldier made more than $400,000 wagering on the outcome of the operation using insider knowledge.—
Will Gottsegen,
The Atlantic,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Tucker’s starting to find his way as far as putting the barrel on the ball.—
Kevin Baxter,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Apr. 2026
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The Senate Banking Committee advanced Kevin Warsh’s nomination along party lines on Wednesday, putting him on track for confirmation before Powell’s term as chair ends May 15.—
Eleanor Mueller,
semafor.com,
29 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gambling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gambling. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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