chance 1 of 3

noun

ˈchan(t)s How to pronounce chance (audio)
Definition of chancenext
1
as in luck
the uncertain course of events rather than leave everything to chance, let's plan how we're going to spend our time in New York City

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Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in opportunity
a favorable combination of circumstances, time, and place this is my one chance to succeed

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3
as in probability
a measure of how often an event will occur instead of another the chance of being struck by lightning is very low

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4
as in venture
a risky undertaking it's a chance, but I think the business will be profitable

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

chance

2 of 3

adjective

as in accidental
happening by chance a chance advantage that I immediately recognized and made full use of

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

chance

3 of 3

verb

1
as in to risk
to take a chance on I don't think we should chance driving in this snowstorm

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2
as in to happen
to take place there chanced to be a beautiful day when we were touring that part of Scotland

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of chance
Noun
When shooting a gun into a moving car, there’s a chance someone will be injured or worse. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 28 Oct. 2026 Shades of cream and brown Fall might be your last chance to wear your white jeans before winter’s slush dirties their hems. — Bianca Kratky, Glamour, 27 Oct. 2026
Verb
After dark, chances rise to 90% and the totals could exceed a half an inch, forecasters say. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 22 Sep. 2026 Highs are expected in the upper 80s and the rain chances for the week through Sunday hover around the 80% range — especially Wednesday when the weather service puts storm chances at 88%. — Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 21 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for chance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chance
  1. luck
  2. opportunity
  3. probability
  4. venture
  5. accidental
  6. risk
  7. happen
  8. circumstance
Noun
  • The prince didn’t have any luck in blocking Kelce, which comes as little surprise given the Chiefs star knows how to avoid defensive players.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Halloween fireballs Our last pick is going to take a great deal of patience, and a good amount of luck!
    — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of luck
Noun
  • Culver, on the other hand, has practiced as both a prosecutor and assistant public defender, according him ample opportunity to meet juries in county court.
    — Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026
  • That dream came true during the pandemic, when the two saw an opportunity to develop a hospitality concept that would remain true to the agricultural character of the property and feed people's ever-growing desire to be out in nature.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of opportunity
Noun
  • However, markets may be placing too much confidence in a year-end rate hike, with the probability of a December increase priced at roughly 90%, leaving room for expectations to shift as fresh economic data emerge.
    — Jenny Lee, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026
  • However, the probability of serious adverse health effects is still considered low.
    — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of probability
Noun
  • That is late-stage private equity written on venture letterhead.
    — Stephen Messer, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The former OpenAI employee has links to Prince Khalid bin Bader al Saud, who works at the same Saudi venture firm as Alfozan.
    — Benjamin Guggenheim, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of venture
Adjective
  • But AppleCare One doesn't cover service fees for accidental damage.
    — Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Police are investigating the incident as an accidental death.
    — Kelsie Cairns, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of accidental
Verb
  • Lawmakers who oppose him risk public ridicule, primary challenges and diminished political support.
    — Stephanie A, The Conversation, 26 Oct. 2026
  • When a manageable investment can bring a decent return, producers can risk something unfamiliar, and audiences can afford to try it.
    — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of risk
Verb
  • This year, that did not happen initially, according to officials in three states who spoke to NPR anonymously because they weren't authorized to speak to the press.
    — Miles Parks, NPR, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Room for Disagreement No matter what happens with Permian oil production, the region is set to see a windfall from the influx of hyperscale data centers, including an enormous one Chevron is building southwest of Midland.
    — Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of happen
Noun
  • Her physical absence changes nothing about the circumstances of our friendship.
    — Philip Martin, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Although landing a roster spot at a major college is a noteworthy achievement under any circumstances, Bryan faces steep odds.
    — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of circumstance

Phrases Containing chance

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champs
chance
chanced
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Cite this Entry

“Chance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chance. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about chance

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