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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
as in accidental
happening by chance
a chance advantage that I immediately recognized and made full use of
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to risk
to take a chance on
I don't think we should chance driving in this snowstorm
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to happen
to take place
there chanced to be a beautiful day when we were touring that part of Scotland
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of chance
Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026
If that’s so, Thamm and colleagues suggest that within certain constraints, there is a more than 90% chance of spotting the evaporation of a primordial black hole in the next 10 years.
—Quanta Magazine, 23 Jan. 2026
Roberto Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 20 Jan. 2026
Rain chances People in the Miami-area should plan on packing a rain jacket or an umbrella through Friday.
—Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for chance
Noun
The Timberwolves began to sling 3-pointers and slam dunks, but the Bulls took those punches on the chin, holding off the onslaught by forcing second-chance points and drawing fouls.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026
If that’s so, Thamm and colleagues suggest that within certain constraints, there is a more than 90% chance of spotting the evaporation of a primordial black hole in the next 10 years.
—Quanta Magazine, 23 Jan. 2026
Verb
After midnight, rain chances ramp up to about 40% amid increasing clouds.
—Roberto Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 20 Jan. 2026
Rain chances People in the Miami-area should plan on packing a rain jacket or an umbrella through Friday.
—Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for chance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chance
Noun
-
In the ad, marking the 48th Super Bowl commercial appearance by Budweiser Clydesdales, a down-on-its-luck eaglet befriends a Clydesdale foal.—
Kelli Bender,
PEOPLE,
26 Jan. 2026
-
And, with any luck, another egg or two may arrive in the coming days.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
More opportunity means more decisions with real downside.—
Melissa Houston,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Gallup data shows a similar tilt with more Americans viewing AI as a threat rather than opportunity.—
Trevor Laurence Jockims,
CNBC,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
In the days leading up to the climb, prediction-market odds placed the probability of a successful ascent at roughly 90 to 95 percent, implying about a 5 to 10 percent chance of failure.—
James Broughel,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
-
People are taking enormous risks for small probabilities of enormous returns.—
Liz Hoffman,
semafor.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Jennie headlined Coachella as a solo artist while expanding her fashion ventures.—
Hannah Abraham,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Larry Ellison, the Jewish founder of Oracle and a major pro-Israel donor, has recently been in the headlines for his media acquisition ventures with his son.—
Jackie Hajdenberg,
Sun Sentinel,
26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Despite the humor Stiller brings to all of his projects, the physical comedy was anything but accidental.—
Moná Thomas,
PEOPLE,
28 Jan. 2026
-
This ambiguity is not accidental.—
Marc Schneier,
New York Daily News,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
City started their last league phase game in 25th and risked elimination, but came from behind at home to beat Club Brugge 3-1 and climb to 22nd.—
Eduardo Tansley,
New York Times,
28 Jan. 2026
-
To risk playing a rich man for the first time — so, not your average Italian or what has been defined as such.—
Nick Vivarelli,
Variety,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
What’s happening in Minneapolis isn’t a policy debate playing out on cable news.—
Dev Patnaik,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
-
As often happens during a crisis, the best of intentions can lead to some bad ideas.—
Matthew Kandrach,
Boston Herald,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Who benefits most will depend on individual circumstances, but the biggest bumps are expected among middle-income households, families with children, workers with overtime or tip income, and some older taxpayers.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
-
The Department of Homeland Security has not yet explained the circumstances around the incident.—
Kyla Guilfoil,
NBC news,
24 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Chance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chance. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
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