play the market

VERB

speculate

Synonyms

STRONG

dare hazard play plunge venture

WEAK

make book margin up pour money into spec stick neck out take a chance take a flier take a fling wildcat

Antonyms

WEAK

abstain ignore neglect

VERB

venture

Synonyms

STRONGEST

dare operate

STRONG

advance assay attempt bet brave challenge chance defy endanger essay experiment expose feel front gamble grope hazard imperil jeopardize presume risk speculate stake try volunteer wager

WEAK

dare say get down go out on a limb have a fling at lay open make a stab at make bold play for put in jeopardy put up stick one's neck out take a crack at take a flyer take a plunge try out

Antonyms

STRONG

abstain design disbelieve guard hide neglect plan protect save yield

VERB

wager

Synonyms

STRONGEST

gamble put up speculate

STRONG

adventure chance game hazard hedge hustle lay parlay play pledge plunge risk set shoot spec stake venture

WEAK

lay a wager put on put on the line shoot the works take action

Antonyms

STRONG

ascend rise

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"Trying to play the market in this environment is fraught with danger," he added.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2025

Indeed, the original HODLer in 2013 had no illusions about their ability to play the market.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 9, 2022

What is clear is that buybacks incentivize corporations to play the market poorly, even as they keep investors happy.

From Slate • Dec. 27, 2018

In fact, investors themselves incur many as they play the market in unproductive ways.

From US News • Nov. 2, 2015

In part it's my fault that any of these quarter-wits have any money to play the market with.

From The Cosmic Computer by Piper, H. Beam