View synonyms for gamble

gamble

[ gam-buhl ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

verb (used without object)

gambled, gambling.

to play at any game of chance for money or other stakes.
to stake or risk money, or anything of value, on the outcome of something involving chance:
to gamble on a toss of the dice.

verb (used with object)

gambled, gambling.

to lose or squander by betting (usually followed by away ):
He gambled all his hard-earned money away in one night.
to wager or risk (money or something else of value):
to gamble one's freedom.
to take a chance on; venture; risk:
I'm gambling that our new store will be a success.

noun

any matter or thing involving risk or hazardous uncertainty.
Synonyms: flier, speculation, hazard, venture
a venture in a game of chance for stakes, especially for high stakes.

gamble

/ ˈɡæmbəl /

verb

intr to play games of chance to win money
to risk or bet (money) on the outcome of an event, sport, etc
introften foll byon to act with the expectation of
to gamble on its being a sunny day
often foll by away to lose by or as if by betting; squander

noun

a risky act or venture
a bet, wager, or other risk or chance taken for possible monetary gain

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Derived Forms

ˈgambler, noun
ˈgambling, noun

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Other Words From

gambler noun
anti·gambling adjective
non·gambler noun
outgamble verb (used with object) outgambled outgambling
over·gamble verb (used with object) overgambled overgambling
pro·gambling adjective
re·gamble verb regambled regambling
un·gambled adjective
un·gambling adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of gamble¹

1150–1200; Middle English gamenen to play ( Old English gamenian ), with substitution of -le for -en; game ¹

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Word History and Origins

Origin of gamble¹

C18: probably variant of game ¹

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Example Sentences

And the prevalence of counterfeit goods — three products bought in illicit shops carried the names of legal brands but were probably fakes — compounds the risk to consumers willing to gamble on what they get.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s a big gamble that memecoins can make you a millionaire overnight.

From Salon

In other words, the only way to find out if the technology is safe is for someone to take a gamble with planetary stakes.

From Salon

This was a gamble MLS had to take.

From Los Angeles Times

“He doesn’t gamble, he doesn’t drink, he doesn’t smoke, he doesn’t do drugs, he doesn’t chase women,” Sturges said.

From Los Angeles Times