chance 1 of 3

Definition of chancenext
1
2
as in opportunity
a favorable combination of circumstances, time, and place this is my one chance to succeed

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

chance

2 of 3

adjective

chance

3 of 3

verb

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
Thousands of Black men fought in the conflict for the Continental Army, the British or in pursuit of their own chance at liberation. Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 19 June 2026 After meeting through a chance encounter, the two grow closer, exchanging IM’s and hanging out in every spare moment, eventually sharing a kiss after Coley opens up about her dead mother. Arushi Jacob, Variety, 19 June 2026
Verb
Storm chances increase as week progresses Rain and storm chances will persist later this week and into the weekend. Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 June 2026 Isabelle Foland At Iowa Republican gubernatorial candidate Zach Lahn's watch party at the Sheraton West Des Moines Hotel, some supporters are feeling cautiously hopeful about their preferred candidates chances to break the 35% threshold and avoid going to a convention. Cooper Worth, Des Moines Register, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for chance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chance
Noun
  • The viral bag has been called the team’s good luck charm.
    Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 16 June 2026
  • Sometimes a little luck can go a long way, and Japan found that out firsthand in its 2-2 draw with the Netherlands in group stage action in the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Sunday at AT&T Stadium.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 June 2026
Noun
  • After coming close on numerous attacking opportunities in the first, the Real Madrid star put England ahead for the good in the opening moments of the second.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 June 2026
  • The special edition of the Historian Passport was supported by donations from the California State Parks Foundation and the California State Railroad Museum Foundation, with the goal of offering Californians the opportunity to explore the state's rich and complex history.
    Noe Padilla, USA Today, 18 June 2026
Noun
  • The market currently assigns about a 41% probability rates are unchanged at year-end, with a 42% chance of one quarter-point hike and 14% of a 50 basis point increase, according to CME FedWatch.
    Justina Lee, CNBC, 16 June 2026
  • The probability of lightning strikes rises as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is directly above.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 16 June 2026
Noun
  • While once a joke in Hollywood, video game to big screen adaptations have become some of the most profitable ventures in filmmaking.
    Jack Dunn, Variety, 15 June 2026
  • But that's the kind of serendipitous surprise (and assignment) that falls perfectly in tune with the ethos of Story Magic, a writer's retreat hosted by publishing venture Rise Literary.
    Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 15 June 2026
Adjective
  • In a joint statement posted to Facebook on Tuesday, the Defiance County Sheriff's Office and the Defiance County Prosecutor's Office said the boy died in an accidental shooting on Saturday.
    Michael Guise, CBS News, 17 June 2026
  • Lineage Logistics has previously been accused of failing to comply with safety regulations to prevent the accidental release of anhydrous ammonia.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2026
Verb
  • Mortgage rates remain well above the rates enjoyed by most current homeowners, who may be reluctant to put their homes on the market and risk a much higher rate on their next mortgage.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 17 June 2026
  • Be sure to weigh costs, storage needs and risk tolerance before making a decision.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 17 June 2026
Verb
  • If that happens, remove the safety clip, hold the can with both hands, and prepare to spray when the bear is roughly 30 to 40 feet away.
    Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 16 June 2026
  • But even with a magnificent performance from an inspired goalkeeper, there’s no way that this result should have happened, even with Luis de la Fuente’s decision to leave Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams on the bench.
    Nick Miller, New York Times, 16 June 2026
Noun
  • If circumstances had gone Spain’s way with more clinical finishing or a Cape Verde defender making a mistake, then the result would have been different and a lot of the chatter currently happening (including here) would likely not be happening.
    Patrick Sung Cuadrado, CNN Money, 21 June 2026
  • In an update on the fundraising page, Vlad said that the family is currently attempting to get answers from local Albanian authorities related to the circumstances surrounding the accident.
    Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 20 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Chance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chance. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.

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