View synonyms for

gambit

[ gam-bit ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

Chess. an opening in which a player seeks to obtain some advantage by sacrificing a pawn or piece.
any maneuver by which one seeks to gain an advantage.
Synonyms: , , ,
a remark made to open or redirect a conversation.

gambit

/ ˈɡæ��ɪ�� /

noun

chess an opening move in which a chessman, usually a pawn, is sacrificed to secure an advantageous position
an opening comment, manoeuvre, etc, intended to secure an advantage or promote a point of view

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Word History and Origins

Origin of gambit¹

1650–60; < French < Spanish gambito or Italian gambetto (akin to Old French gambet, jambet ), equivalent to gamb ( a ) leg + -etta -et

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Word History and Origins

Origin of gambit¹

C17: from French, from Italian gambetto a tripping up, from gamba leg

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

But to many economists, the bigger threat is that Trump’s global trade gambit will erode the United States’ main source of global authority: the long-term geopolitical relationships it has cultivated over nearly a century.

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The voters were not impressed by his antics or his reprise of the million-dollar lottery gambit.

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While many conservative commentators lined up to congratulate Trump on his supposedly masterful gambit, others pointed out that Trump's hand was likely forced by economic disarray.

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The "playing the refs" gambit is hardly a secret and Trump hasn't exactly been subtle about it.

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This gambit reveals the total bad faith operating here.

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Gambier Islands gamble

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