stake
18 synonyms for stake, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A pointed piece of wood or metal driven into the ground as a marker or support.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A pointed piece of wood or metal driven into the ground as a marker or support.
“He hammered a stake into the soft ground to hold up the young tree.”
How to use stake
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
raise the stakes
stake a claim
high stakes
stake out
Etymology
From Old English staca, a pin or stake, related to a very old root simply meaning "stake" or "pin."
Full origin of stake →Frequently asked questions
What does “stake” mean?
The word “stake” means a pointed piece of wood or metal driven into the ground as a marker or support. In plain terms, a pointed post, a share/interest in something, or money risked on an outcome.
How do you pronounce “stake”?
“Stake” is pronounced stayk (/steɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “stake” in a sentence?
Here is “stake” used in a sentence: “They marked the property line with wooden stakes.”
What part of speech is “stake”?
Depending on how it is used, “stake” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “stake” come from?
The word “stake” comes from Old English. From Old English staca, a pin or stake, related to a very old root simply meaning "stake" or "pin.".
Is “stake” a common word?
“Stake” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “stake” have?
“Stake” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a pointed piece of wood or metal driven into the ground as a marker or support.
What is the difference between 'stake' and 'steak'?
'Stake' and 'steak' are homophones that sound alike but differ in meaning. A stake is a pointed post driven into the ground or a share and interest in something, while a steak is a thick slice of meat, usually beef.
What is the difference between a 'stake' and a 'share'?
A 'share' is often a formal unit of ownership in a company, whereas a 'stake' is the broader portion or interest that someone holds, which may be measured in shares or simply in involvement. You can hold a majority stake without owning every share.
