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
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
Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 13 Mar. 2026
Before the front gets here, the region should expect more seasonable temperatures and a higher chance of rain, but more unsettled weather may arrive over the weekend.
—Garfield Hylton, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2026
Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Mar. 2026
Thursday will be dry, and then rain chances ramp up again Friday and will continue through the weekend.
—Newsroom Meteorologist, Austin American Statesman, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for chance
Noun
After decades of collecting, the art connoisseur’s collection fill the home, giving the temporary tenants a rare chance to live in a museum-like setting.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 13 Mar. 2026
Before the front gets here, the region should expect more seasonable temperatures and a higher chance of rain, but more unsettled weather may arrive over the weekend.
—Garfield Hylton, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2026
Verb
Hours before, attendees were optimistic about the state representatives chances to take on November’s Republican nominee.
—Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Mar. 2026
Thursday will be dry, and then rain chances ramp up again Friday and will continue through the weekend.
—Newsroom Meteorologist, Austin American Statesman, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for chance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chance
Noun
-
Whoever ends the game with their egg intact is said to have luck for the year.—
Anna Halkidis,
Parents,
16 Mar. 2026
-
A little timing and luck will be required, too, as interest rate rises here could become more common if existing market conditions don't quickly improve.—
Matt Richardson,
CBS News,
16 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Democrats saw the meeting as an opportunity to call attention to the fact that Bondi has yet to explicitly commit to showing up on April 14.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
19 Mar. 2026
-
Seek out new opportunities and be ready to act fast on them.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
19 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The patients now assess the surgical planning process which surgeons manage along with the safety measures and the system for continuing patient care and the probability of achieving results which look natural and maintain their appearance throughout time.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
17 Mar. 2026
-
The probability of lightning strikes rises as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is directly above.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
16 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Audrey Gelman, co-founder of Insta-famous women’s co-working space The Wing, has returned with a new venture.—
Amy Francombe,
Vogue,
16 Mar. 2026
-
George Clooney’s latest business venture is drawing scrutiny as the Hollywood star leans heavily into classic American imagery while building a new life overseas.—
Ashley Hume , Larry Fink,
FOXNews.com,
16 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The infant and its 2-year-old sibling were removed from their parents’ home in May 2025 and placed in foster care after the baby suffered non-accidental injuries.—
Jane Harper,
Dallas Morning News,
18 Mar. 2026
-
In a statement shared with The Baltimore Sun, a spokesperson for the department said that the pepper spray discharge was from the accidental triggering of a keychain canister and impacted at least 11 of the 31 students on board.—
Brian Carlton,
Baltimore Sun,
18 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Republicans have charged that Democrats are risking the nation’s security by blocking funding to the department.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
18 Mar. 2026
-
Without the ability to recognize their most valuable customers, brands risk unintentionally penalizing loyal shoppers with strict policies.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Sourcing Journal,
18 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
As of now, the amendment votes are expected to happen at the end of the process, just before the Senate moves to cut off debate.—
David Sivak,
The Washington Examiner,
17 Mar. 2026
-
Before the preseason games even happen, there’s a lot to do with an expansion draft for Portland and Toronto as well as free agency for 80% of the league.—
Doug Feinberg,
Twin Cities,
17 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Uncompensated seizure under the land-expropriation law can only be pursued under narrow circumstances—when land is unused or has been abandoned, for example—and the program seemingly has yet to seize any property.—
Boyce Upholt,
New Yorker,
14 Mar. 2026
-
Like Scheepers, Musu is thankful her boss has been supportive and understanding of her circumstances.—
Blane Bachelor,
CNN Money,
14 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Chance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chance. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
