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
The rope must be long enough to ensure safe play, so there is zero chance of accidental biting when trying to get a more secure hold. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026 Another chance for strong storms is possible Wednesday afternoon, mainly east of a line from Butler to Moberly. — Kansas City Star, 25 Aug. 2026
Verb
Rain chances return to the region late Sunday into Monday morning, the weather service said. — Kansas City Star, 21 Aug. 2026 For the newest campaign, Belle stars in a series of New York scenes — ranging from late-night taxi rides to chance sidewalk encounters to phone booth conversations — in which the right pair of shoes has the power to change everything. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 17 Aug. 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
  • If Dublin has any luck left for underdogs, Belichick could certainly use some.
    — Giovanni Malloy, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Games that involve equal parts strategy and luck are ideal for groups that meet regularly.
    — Heather Bien, Southern Living, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of luck
Noun
  • The upcoming 17-day FIBA break could be an opportunity for a new player to acclimate to Hammon’s system in Las Vegas.
    — Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Beyond balancing your hormones, these can be some of the most effective ways to manage endometriosis, but as the opportunity grows, so does the potential for misinformation and misleading claims.
    — Bella Webb, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of opportunity
Noun
  • In one simulation, the AI initially assigned a 72% probability that a nearby vessel was simply passing through.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Meanwhile, the probability of the Fed standing pat rose from nearly 36% to almost 47%.
    — , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of probability
Noun
  • Japan’s Inpex, for example, formed a joint venture to expand its LNG investment in Australia’s Northern Territory.
    — Katie Silver, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026
  • His parents fostered the venture to instill responsibility and the value of time.
    — Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of venture
Adjective
  • This included expert witnesses who said the child’s death was an accidental drowning brought on by a seizure and a jailhouse informant who recanted his trial testimony that Duncan had confessed to the crime.
    — Richard A. Webster, ProPublica, 31 Aug. 2026
  • In all three cases, authorities have appeared to suggest their deaths were accidental.
    — Ryan Young, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of accidental
Verb
  • This exceeds the city manager’s authority to move temporary shelter projects forward without council approval, risking a vote that could stop the project altogether.
    — Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Allen Berezovsky / Getty Images If not, the NBA risks losing an incredible feature in its repertoire.
    — Marcus Thompson II, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of risk
Verb
  • His son Jack, who had attended the event in California, was instrumental in making these mazes happen, Universal officials have said.
    — Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Set in the high-stakes world of academia, The Love Hypothesis explores the delicate dance between science and emotion, reason and risk—and what happens when love defies logic.
    — Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of happen
Noun
  • Other complicating factors can include things like child custody, income, housing and other circumstances that can make domestic survivors feel stuck.
    — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Biz2Credit also considers the circumstances, particularly for seasonal businesses or companies seeking financing to smooth out short-term cash flow irregularities.
    — Carson Brunson, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of circumstance

Phrases Containing chance

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chance
chanced
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Cite this Entry

“Chance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chance. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on chance

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about chance

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