point-shaving

noun

point-shav·​ing ˈpoint-ˌshā-viŋ How to pronounce point-shaving (audio)
often attributive
: an attempt (as by a member of the team favored to win) to influence the final score of a game so that the predicted winner wins by less than the point spread

Examples of point-shaving in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
No evidence of point-shaving was found. — Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2025 Even if point-shaving is rare, each new revelation reinforces the notion that the system is rigged. — Mckay Coppins, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2026 Access equals information, which is, essentially, how the sausage is made in point-shaving. — Dana O'Neil, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2025 Gamblers allegedly got players to agree to point-shaving in games from 2022-25; charges include bribery, wire fraud and conspiracy. — Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 15 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for point-shaving

Word History

First Known Use

1975, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of point-shaving was in 1975

Rhymes for point-shaving

See All Rhymes for point-shaving

Browse Nearby Words

point set topology
point-shaving
point-slope form
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Point-shaving.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/point-shaving. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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