What does "trifecta" mean?
A bet in which the bettor must select the first three placegetters of a race in the order in which they finish.
Trifecta
/tɹaɪˈfɛktə/ noun
noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A bet in which the bettor must select the first three placegetters of a race in the order in which they finish.
- Grammar: trifecta is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: bet, triad, trio, triple.
- Useful contrasts: no bet, single bet, single outcome.
- Usage evidence: The conservative player will play the exacta box bet and the occasional trifecta box wager.
How to use "trifecta"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "trifecta" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "trifecta" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "trifecta" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "trifecta" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "trifecta" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "bet" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "trifecta", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A bet in which the bettor must select the first three placegetters of a race in the order in which they finish. Australia, New-Zealand, US
"The conservative player will play the exacta box bet and the occasional trifecta box wager."
- 2 The attainment of three important achievements, qualities, etc. Australia, New-Zealand, US, figuratively
"The money picture for Santorum could change after his trifecta win in Colorado, Minnesota, and Missouri Tuesday night."
- 3 A set of three related things, often things that cause problems. Australia, New-Zealand, US, broadly
"Along with runtime errors, two other errors we saw earlier round out the JavaScript bug trifecta: syntax errors, logic errors, and runtime errors."
- 4 The complete legislative and executive control of state or federal government by one party: governorship, the upper house, and the lower house of state or federal legislatures. Australia, New-Zealand, US
"In fact, there are about a dozen states, including California, Massachusetts, Washington, and Illinois, where Democrats have won the trifecta—they control the governor's seat as well as both houses of the state legislature."
Antonyms
no betsingle betsingle outcome
Example
"The conservative player will play the exacta box bet and the occasional trifecta box wager."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "trifecta"?
Common synonyms include: bet, triad, trio, triple, wager.
How do you use "trifecta" in a sentence?
The conservative player will play the exacta box bet and the occasional trifecta box wager.
How do you pronounce "trifecta"?
Pronounced /tɹaɪˈfɛktə/.
Etymology
From tri- + (per)fecta.