jackpot
/ˈdʒækˌpɑːt/
NOUN
1. Accumulated prize money in a game
A pool of money or accumulated stakes in a game of chance or competition that increases until a player or participant meets the conditions required to win it.
1.1. Gambling and prize pools
Used to describe the accumulated money available to be won in gambling games, lotteries, poker, slot machines, or other games of chance.
Synonyms
Examples
- The lottery jackpot increased after nobody won the previous drawing.
- All the players contributed money to the jackpot before the poker game began.
- The casino announced that its progressive slot machine had reached a record jackpot.
Related Words
1.2. Betting stakes and pooled money
Used to refer to the combined money or stakes contributed by participants in a betting game, forming a shared amount that can be awarded to the winner.
Synonyms
Examples
- The players competed for the jackpot accumulated during several rounds of poker.
- Each participant added another contribution to the jackpot.
Related Words
- betting
- gambling
- ante
- contribution
- bet
- poker
- fund
- prize money
NOUN
2. An exceptionally valuable prize or reward
A highly desirable prize, award, or valuable benefit received as the result of success, achievement, competition, or good fortune.
2.1. Awards and outstanding prizes
Used to describe a particularly valuable or significant prize awarded to someone for winning a competition, achieving something, or fulfilling specific requirements.
Synonyms
- prize
- reward
- award
- bonanza
- winnings
- windfall
- bounty
Examples
- Winning the international competition was the jackpot of her professional career.
- The company considered the exclusive contract a major jackpot.
- The lucky contestant walked away with the jackpot after answering the final question correctly.
Related Words
- trophy
- recognition
- achievement
- honor
- distinction
- competition
- winner
- grand prize
NOUN
3. Unexpected good fortune or valuable success
An unexpectedly favorable outcome, valuable discovery, or fortunate opportunity that brings considerable financial, personal, or practical benefits.
3.1. Sudden wealth and financial gain
Used to describe an unexpected financial gain, valuable discovery, or sudden increase in wealth that provides substantial economic benefits.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- loss
- misfortune
- setback
- deficit
- shortfall
Examples
- The small investment turned into a financial jackpot when the company went public.
- Finding valuable antiques in the abandoned house was an unexpected jackpot.
- The property developer hit the jackpot after discovering that the land contained valuable minerals.
Related Words
- wealth
- prosperity
- unexpected gain
- inheritance
- financial success
- good fortune
- unexpected profit
3.2. A fortunate discovery or opportunity
Used figuratively to describe discovering something exceptionally useful, valuable, or beneficial, or encountering an opportunity that produces an unusually favorable result.
Synonyms
- bonanza
- windfall
- boon
- godsend
- stroke of luck
- lucky break
- treasure trove
Antonyms
- disappointment
- misfortune
- setback
- failure
Examples
- The research team hit the jackpot when they discovered a more effective treatment method.
- Finding an experienced employee who shared the company's vision was a real jackpot.
- The rare collection of historical documents proved to be a jackpot for the museum.
Related Words
- opportunity
- discovery
- good fortune
- luck
- breakthrough
- advantage
- unexpected benefit
- success