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
With any stock, there's always a chance of earning a big payoff — but the probability of losing money on an individual security is higher than the probability of gaining money, Ritter said. Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 12 June 2026 The next chance for storms returns Tuesday night into Wednesday, with more rain chances possible Wednesday night. Kansas City Star, 12 June 2026
Verb
Rain chances ramp up as temperatures warm in the afternoon and a storm system makes its way further north. Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 28 May 2026 Politicians, no longer content to leave elections to chance, are working to choose their voters as often as every two years. Patrick Marley, Washington Post, 25 May 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
  • For adventurous types, there are water sports, including diving and kiteboarding, through the Aquatic Center and Kite Club Puntacana; as well as the opportunity to take a polo lesson or ride a horse at Puntacana Polo Club and Equestrian Center.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 June 2026
  • Coach Rachel Monroe called a timeout to try to set up one last offensive opportunity, but Hagan immediately forced a turnover off the restart whistle, and the Timberwolves held possession for the final moments before the team sprinted towards goalie Lila Zahurak to celebrate.
    Matt Goisman, Boston Herald, 11 June 2026
Noun
  • The mean probability of voluntarily quitting one’s job increased to the highest level in more than three years.
    Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 8 June 2026
  • The probability of lightning strikes rises as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is directly above.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 8 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
  • The New York Times later confirmed that reporting through more anonymous US officials, including one official who said US military investigators were still evaluating whether the Iranian drone strike on the helicopter was intentional or accidental.
    Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 10 June 2026
  • The search warrant obtained by ABC News shows that federal agents were instructed to look for anything that would indicate violations of a law to prevent the accidental release of extremely hazardous substances into the air.
    Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 10 June 2026
Verb
  • Iran's drones are not precise and could hit any part of the vessel, which risks an ecological disaster, Rubio said.
    Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 10 June 2026
  • Many consumers remain curious about AI-powered shopping tools while questioning whether technology risks eroding individuality in personal style.
    Partner Content, Variety, 10 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
  • Investigation underway The Kentucky State Police is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding both crashes and the events that led to Suresh entering the roadway.
    Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 14 June 2026
  • This is a story devoid of childlike wonder, just the horrific evil men are capable of and the small acts of grace found in unspeakable circumstances.
    Chris Nashawaty, Entertainment Weekly, 13 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Chance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chance. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.

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