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
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2026
The Kings had played four straight games decided in overtime or a shootout, setting an NHL single-season record for games going past regulation along the way, but Moore ensured there would be no chance of extra hockey with his goal midway through the third period.
—Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
Hector Amezcua, Sacbee.com, 30 Mar. 2026
Rain chances return by midweek, beginning late Tuesday.
—Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for chance
Noun
Butterfly bush sends up long flower spikes that draw both hummingbirds and bees, offering kids a chance to compare how different pollinators feed.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2026
The Kings had played four straight games decided in overtime or a shootout, setting an NHL single-season record for games going past regulation along the way, but Moore ensured there would be no chance of extra hockey with his goal midway through the third period.
—Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
By Wednesday, rain chances increase to about 70%, with a high near 65 and a low around 48.
—Hector Amezcua, Sacbee.com, 30 Mar. 2026
Rain chances return by midweek, beginning late Tuesday.
—Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for chance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chance
Noun
-
And if the basketball gods were just, the Warriors would be provided a play-in loss — Wednesday or Friday, either will do — and lottery luck.—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
Mercury News,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Rory McIlroy faded his tee shot into the pine straw, forcing a dramatic finish for his second consecutive Masters title, a final round that saw the Northern Irish golfer press his luck on the final few holes.—
Benjamin Royer,
Oc Register,
13 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Independent Alan Bond's platform The Montclair resident is focused on economic opportunity, education, healthcare and safety, according to his campaign website.—
Christina Fan,
CBS News,
16 Apr. 2026
-
Orlando was able to respond late thanks to six straight points from Bane, including his second 3-pointer and an and-one opportunity.—
Jason Beede,
The Orlando Sentinel,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The perils of relying on probability In the United States, flood risk is publicly defined by maps produced by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.—
Dominic Boyer,
The Conversation,
14 Apr. 2026
-
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,
13 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
What the Pentagon Papers revealed is that the American government had reason to know all along that the venture was ill-fated.—
Louis Menand,
New Yorker,
13 Apr. 2026
-
At least one member of BTS wondered if the solo ventures might change the group dynamic.—
Brian Hiatt,
Rolling Stone,
13 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Gilbert's remains were found in December 2011 -- her death is later ruled as an accidental drowning.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
16 Apr. 2026
-
The light, water-resistant fabric keeps clothes safe from accidental spills and can bear the hard wear of travel days.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The blockade risks higher prices at the pump since oil trades on a global market, meaning a loss of supply in the Middle East could raise prices for Americans, some analysts said.—
Max Zahn,
ABC News,
16 Apr. 2026
-
If that gap persists, America risks finding itself at a significant military disadvantage.—
Robert F. Dees,
Fortune,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
What happens next Authorities emphasize that the charges are allegations, and Mance is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.—
Zachary Bynum,
CBS News,
14 Apr. 2026
-
Spiegel asked to speak to Mengele and alert him of what was happening — a risky decision that saved the boys from death.—
Alexandra Schonfeld,
PEOPLE,
14 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Two people died last week in similar circumstances off the coast north of Calais.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Given these circumstances, most of the music written for mandolin (eighty-five volumes were published in Paris between 1761 and 1783) was intended for amateurs, often women.—
Tim Parks,
New Yorker,
11 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Chance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chance. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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