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 This was Reid’s light-hearted response to a question about retirement, which doesn’t appear to be in the cards anytime soon for the 68-year-old who is about to begin his 14th season with the Chiefs and 28th as an NFL head coach. — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 19 Aug. 2026 The sun shone on Lova’s second day in Manchester, so spending the morning outdoors was in the cards. — Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026 If, in the end, a private getaway isn’t in the cards, rooms at the neighboring Villa d’Este start at about $2,000 a night. — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 11 Aug. 2026 Still, Stewart has been adamant that retirement is not in the cards for him. — Rachel Desantis, PEOPLE, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for in the cards

Recent Examples of Synonyms for in the cards

in the bag

Phrase

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
This one may seem like every gummy in the bag was consumed, but Saquon Barkley possesses significant boom/bust appeal.

— Jess Bryant, New York Times, 19 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 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of in the cards

phrase

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