CHANCES Synonyms: 115 Similar and Opposite Words

chances 1 of 2

noun

plural of chance

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in opportunities

a favorable combination of circumstances, time, and place this is my one chance to succeed

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in probabilities

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

as in gambles

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

sure things

chances

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of chance

as in risks

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

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as in happens

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 chances

Noun

Comparing the volume of goals and xG, this summer saw 37 goals more than the quality of chances would suggest. — Mark Carey, New York Times, 21 July 2026 Torres – one of Barcelona’s key men up front – had been having an awful tournament, missing a plethora of chances throughout the campaign and being benched after starting against Cape Verde. — Ben Church, CNN Money, 20 July 2026 That may improve the company’s chances of participating in a box-office recovery. — Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026 Before Jagger’s trip to South Florida, the lifelong Arsenal fan was asked by UK’s The Sun about his country’s chances against Norway, led by team captain Erling Haaland. — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026 Rain chances on Thursday decrease to 20% as a ridge of high pressure begins to build into the area from the east, ending rain chances Friday into the weekend. — Michael Autovino, CBS News, 13 July 2026 Monsoon season and an intensifying El Niño are also underway and could bring more chances for rain to the region. — Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 13 July 2026

Verb

Strip a player of All-Star designation, potentially damaging his Hall of Fame chances? — Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 15 July 2026 Storm chances increase across Central Florida in the afternoon, but coupled with humidity that could bring the heat index, or feels-like temperatures, to as much as 107 degrees, the National Weather Service in Melbourne stated. — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 July 2026 Rain chances return on Wednesday night and continue into Thursday. — Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 6 July 2026 That deficit set off a litany of Boise chances in the final 10 minutes. — Idaho Statesman, 3 July 2026 Spain finally got on the board after dominating possession and chances thus far. — Ashley Mowreader, NBC news, 3 July 2026 Wednesday will feature morning and evening storm chances with a slight threat — 2 on a scale of 5— of severe conditions. — Chris Shaffer, CBS News, 30 June 2026 Considerably more sympathetic to her plight is Melanie Saunders (Graynor), a high-minded acting teacher whose intensive Act One studio Hannah chances upon while researching her favorite young actress, Gracie Thomas (Tavi Gevinson), online. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 13 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for chances

Noun

There’s the fact that the Red Wings never got much lottery luck — never picking higher than fourth, and certainly not getting the kind of breaks teams like San Jose have gotten in moving up dramatically in the order.

— Max Bultman, New York Times, 17 July 2026
During their meeting, Baracca’s mother suggested that Ferrari use the prancing horse on his cars as a good-luck symbol.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 17 July 2026

Definition of luck

Noun

Total solar eclipses offer rare and brief opportunities to learn new information about everything from the physics of the sun to the behavior of animals and the dynamics of Earth’s atmosphere.

— Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 15 July 2026
On top of that, 30% of Mbappé’s earnings go straight to his own charity, the IBKM Foundation, which supports young people by developing educational and career opportunities.

— Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 15 July 2026

Definition of opportunities

Verb

This risks amplifying stereotypes through personalization, creating a feedback loop where AI's initial assumptions are reinforced.

— Christine Michel Carter, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Disenfranchising or, at best, confusing their voters risks their own electoral success, too.

— SoRelle Wyckoff Gaynor, The Conversation, 17 July 2026

Definition of risks

Noun

This process is intended to give you the opportunity to provide further information so that your circumstances can be reviewed fully and fairly.

— Andy Mitten, New York Times, 22 July 2026
In a meeting with media executives last month, Pezeshkian said preserving national unity and cohesion is Iran’s top priority under current circumstances.

— Jomana Karadsheh, CNN Money, 21 July 2026

Definition of circumstances

Noun

Those positions appeared more consistent with Buffett's traditional preference for mature cash-generating businesses than speculative biotechnology ventures, and most were later reduced or eliminated.

— Steve Brozak, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady appears to be setting the groundwork to add to his growing list of post-playing career ventures.

— Saad Yousuf, New York Times, 20 July 2026