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
Serna and Hulst never got the chance to speak one last time. Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 30 May 2026 The Trojans had plenty of chances. Jose De Jesus Ortiz, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 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
  • Best of luck accomplishing your goals today, and, of course, do keep in touch.
    Ed Silverman, STAT, 1 June 2026
  • Jupiter will eventually return to your sign for the first time since 2014, kicking off a major season of luck, growth and expansion.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 June 2026
Noun
  • Robinson might not draw the primary defensive assignment guarding Spurs star big man Victor Wembanyama, a job that could fall to the Knicks' fleet of wings, but Robinson's offensive rebounding will be critical in not allowing second-chance opportunities.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 4 June 2026
  • Wednesday provided an opportunity for one of college football's most important figures, former Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban, to give Congress his thoughts directly.
    Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 4 June 2026
Noun
  • The probability of lightning strikes rises as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is directly above.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 June 2026
  • Here's what to know Beyond this summer, probabilities for El Niño to continue until at least November are near or above 90%.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 2 June 2026
Noun
  • The hotel was originally Maison de la Luz, a venture from the Ace Hotel Group.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • Bethany Meuleners, head of venture at Variloom, told Sourcing Journal that the partnership sees both companies at an inflection point as sourcing transparency becomes the bare minimum in the fashion industry, as opposed to a competitive edge.
    Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 1 June 2026
Adjective
  • Call volume during a typical Patriots game can more than double - hundreds of additional calls for help; Some true emergencies, others accidental pocket dials.
    Juli McDonald, CBS News, 3 June 2026
  • Invasive species The authors of the research paper recommend that all incoming extraterrestrial samples be handled exclusively through advanced robotic systems within the lunar facility, minimizing the possibility of human exposure and accidental release.
    Leonard David, Space.com, 3 June 2026
Verb
  • The idea that enterprise companies across the globe would risk their data by attempting to stand up their own cybersecurity solutions by leveraging an AI model is, indeed, proving fanciful.
    Zev Fima, CNBC, 4 June 2026
  • After discovering the related national security concerns and a potential existential threat, Jay defied powerful institutional gatekeepers and risked everything in order to reveal that humanity is not alone in the universe and to ensure the government takes action.
    Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 3 June 2026
Verb
  • Today, the property is a best-case example of the magic that happens when old meets new.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • And unlike in-person voting, where verification happens upfront, mail-in ballots must be inspected and have signatures verified.
    Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2026
Noun
  • Authorities said the exact circumstances of the fatal fall are under investigation.
    Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 6 June 2026
  • But inconsistencies between location data and statements Brian Hooker made to investigators have intensified scrutiny on the circumstances surrounding her disappearance, a US official familiar with the criminal investigation told CNN.
    Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 6 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Chance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chance. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.

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