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
Raridon has a chance to earn snaps behind starter Hunter Henry. Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 25 Apr. 2026 The Kings have a chance to even the series Tuesday before returning to Crypto.com Arena for Game 3 on Thursday and Game 4 on Sunday. Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026
Verb
The controversy may have negatively impacted Best Actor Oscar chances for his performance in Josh Safdie’s solo directing effort, Marty Supreme. Chris Lee, Vulture, 2 Apr. 2026 Critics are no longer holding back, openly questioning how many chances Woods should get, and whether golf’s governing bodies have been too lenient for too long. Rowan Fisher-Shotton, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for chance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chance
Noun
  • The actress reached for the JW Pei Lucia Top-Handle bag, according to the brand, which, as luck would have it, is currently available on Amazon for less than $100.
    Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Trump believes that working on a transition before an election is bad luck.
    Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Wemby likely won’t miss the entire series with a concussion, but Portland has a great opportunity to put the Spurs in a hole with two home games coming up.
    Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026
  • One of Kukuiʻula’s unique amenities is the 10-acre upcountry organic farm, which provides produce and flowers for the resort community as well as opportunities for residents to connect with the land by harvesting crops, cutting tropical blooms, picnicking, or hiking and biking.
    Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 23 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • For this reason, the probability of encountering a descending elevator first is higher.
    Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 21 Apr. 2026
  • But while the civil court found the war crimes allegations were mostly proven on a balance of probabilities, the war crime murder charges would have to be proved in a criminal court to a higher standard of beyond reasonable doubt.
    ABC News, ABC News, 17 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • So far, there has been no formal commitment from either side about the scale of investment or on setting up a joint venture.
    Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 21 Apr. 2026
  • He is occasionally rumored to plot a comeback, or a new wrestling venture with Saudi backing.
    Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The second episode of Euphoria’s third season finds Rue basking in the glow of God’s favor and settling into her new life working for the strip-club proprietor Alamo (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje), who tasks her with scooping pig slop and covering up evidence of a dancer’s accidental overdose.
    Zoe Papelis, Vulture, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Photographer Hoda Afshar recalls the image as something almost accidental.
    Adam Pourahmadi, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Certain trees on the islands are believed to harbor these winds; to sleep beneath them is to risk possession.
    Adam Pourahmadi, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026
  • An interest-rate hike could help ease inflation but risks a further cooldown of the labor market, while a rate cut may boost hiring but threatens higher inflation.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • This happened years before, in such a serious way that my friend had to take a three-month medical leave of absence due to what was likely a nervous breakdown.
    R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
  • What happened in the next few moments told the story of his time in south London.
    Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Some of today’s most interesting films are shot on such devices, under circumstances that corroborate their all-purpose convenience and utility.
    Dennis Lim, The New York Review of Books, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Desperation under dire circumstances didn’t stop the Lakers from finding their lifeline in a 112-108 overtime victory over the Houston Rockets, winning the 5-minute extra period 11-7 after a stunning comeback in the final minute of regulation.
    Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 25 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Chance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chance. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.

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