gambling

Definition of gamblingnext
present participle of gamble
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

Relevance

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 gambling Trump’s family is invested in prediction markets, which operators claim to be a form of investment and not gambling, thus falling under the CFTC’s exclusive purview. Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 29 Jan. 2026 Look for readouts on hypertension and on Alzheimer's, and on smoking, opioids, alcohol, and even gambling. Jim Cramer, CNBC, 18 Jan. 2026 Ross has not hired someone with previous head coaching experience since becoming the Dolphins' majority owner in 2009 — recently gambling on Joe Philbin (2012-2015), Adam Gase (2016-18), Brian Flores (2019-21) and McDaniel (2022-25). CBS News, 14 Jan. 2026 Paramount is gambling that Warner investors will evaluate the two offers and sell their shares to Paramount. Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gambling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gambling
Verb
  • Star Sports, another platform, has suspended betting on Starmer stepping down before the next general election, giving the prospect an 89% chance.
    Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 10 Feb. 2026
  • To be sure, some investors are betting that the enormous build out will eventually translate into revenue and profits.
    John Towfighi, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • And the rest of the jewelry box of a city isn't ready to call it quits, wagering that some things are still worth taking their time, and come out stronger under pressure.
    Chris Livesay, CBS News, 8 Feb. 2026
  • The sweepstakes model allows players to compete for real money prizes without wagering real money, which proponents say keeps the model compliant with sweepstakes laws, according to Deadspin.
    Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Councilmember Monica Rodriguez voted against the measure, arguing the council had not done its job to reduce spending elsewhere before putting taxes on the ballot.
    Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
  • The goal is to engage kids in learning about history and civic engagement while putting them on a path to potentially work in the music industry, said the department’s Chief Academic Officer Irene Parisi.
    Theo Peck-Suzuki, Hartford Courant, 11 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gambling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gambling. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on gambling

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!