wager 1 of 2

Definition of wagernext
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
During the Super Bowl, these types of wagers were extremely popular, such as whether Jeff Bezos would be in attendance. Jessica Golden, CNBC, 30 Mar. 2026 No arrests were made, but the agents seized cash, records detailing wagers, and ledgers and diaries with betting information. Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2026
Verb
Americans have wagered more than $520 billion on sports since the practice was legalized, and quarterly deposits have risen to $1,250 in 2025, compared to $500 five years ago, the Fed researchers found. Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 31 Mar. 2026 But when wagering on elections, most traders have seemed to consistently buy and sell only one position, rather than switching between them. Parker Bach, The Conversation, 31 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wager
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wager
Noun
  • Everyone’s interest is at stake here [in Wyoming].
    Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 3 Apr. 2026
  • As Celia and Marco fall in love over the decades, they become intertwined in a high-stakes, deadly competition.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The Masters, season’s first of four golf majors, tees off Thursday at Augusta anyway with Scottie Scheffler (ho hum) the betting favorite per DraftKings followed by Jon Rahm, Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau.
    Greg Cote April 5, Miami Herald, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Desmond is betting on his local record to give him an edge.
    Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • But the major goal of the flight, along with putting the Orion through its paces, is to test the planning, procedures and flight control protocols for managing upcoming moon landing missions after a half-century gap between the Artemis and Apollo programs.
    William Harwood, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Joe hit three 3-pointers in an 85-second flurry to put the Thunder up 99-61 in the third quarter.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Wager.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wager. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

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