IN THE CARDS Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

in the cards

phrase

variants also on the cards

Definition of in the cards

as in necessary

impossible to avoid or evade They knew a career as a ballet dancer wasn't in the cards for their clumsy daughter.

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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 in the cards For example, missions to the moon and Mars — which are definitely in the cards, according to SpaceX — will require Ship to be fueled up in Earth orbit, something that the company has not yet demonstrated. — Mike Wall, Space.com, 28 Sep. 2026 The result is a low-interest, down payment assistance loan built for middle-class Californians who’ve been told for a generation that homeownership here just isn’t in the cards. — Libby Schaaf, Mercury News, 25 Sep. 2026 When a future playing isn’t in the cards, don’t be surprised to see Coach Madsen develop in the Treasure Valley. — Idaho Statesman, 23 Sep. 2026 In a new poll released this month by YouGov/Bowling Green State University, a vice presidential showdown could be in the cards in 2028 as former Vice President Kamala Harris and current Vice President JD Vance lead their respective primaries. — Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 15 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for in the cards

Recent Examples of Synonyms for in the cards

in the bag

Phrase

Police said Cantrell and Baker then kept the dead baby's body in the bag near the toilet for about four days before Baker placed it in an overnight bag and put it in the dumpster along with another black trash bag.

— Briauna Brown, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026
Place the game pieces and dice in the bag; roll up the board to store it all in the tube.

— Jodi Levine, Parents, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of in the bag

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in the buff

in the cards

in the chips

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“In the cards.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/in%20the%20cards. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of in the cards

phrase

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