CHANCES Synonyms: 115 Similar and Opposite Words

chances 1 of 2

noun

plural of chance

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

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Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in opportunities

a favorable combination of circumstances, time, and place this is my one chance to succeed

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in probabilities

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

as in gambles

a risky undertaking it's a chance, but I think the business will be profitable

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

sure things

chances

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of chance

as in risks

to take a chance on I don't think we should chance driving in this snowstorm

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as in happens

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 chances

Noun

Covid vaccines roughly halved the chances that a US adult would need to visit the emergency room or be hospitalized with their infections last fall and winter, one study found. — Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026 Rain chances continue into Thursday, with storm activity tapering off in the evening. — Kansas City Star, 3 Aug. 2026 But he’s currently sidelined with a lower body injury and has missed the last few days of camp, which could impact his chances. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Aug. 2026 DraftKings moved Los Angeles’ pennant chances from +105 to -110 while BetMGM moved the Dodgers from even money down to -125. — J.j. Bailey, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026 Not to mention meaningfully increase their chances of winning a three-game wild card series against Philadelphia. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 2 Aug. 2026 High rain chances will continue on Saturday as the west flow brings storms toward the east coast, the National Weather Service said. — Elainie Colton, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Aug. 2026 If anything, those who have divorced and remarried have had more chances to practice. — Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 1 Aug. 2026 Areas northward will see some relief from the heat as thunderstorm chances increase across the central Plains and a cold front drops into the Midwest. — Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 27 July 2026

Verb

Storm chances increase from about 30% in the morning up to about 70% by the evening. — Kansas City Star, 29 July 2026 The rain chances grew, nearly doubling to 60% on Sunday into Monday, according to the service. — Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026 Strip a player of All-Star designation, potentially damaging his Hall of Fame chances? — Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 15 July 2026 Storm chances increase across Central Florida in the afternoon, but coupled with humidity that could bring the heat index, or feels-like temperatures, to as much as 107 degrees, the National Weather Service in Melbourne stated. — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 July 2026 That deficit set off a litany of Boise chances in the final 10 minutes. — Idaho Statesman, 3 July 2026 Spain finally got on the board after dominating possession and chances thus far. — Ashley Mowreader, NBC news, 3 July 2026 Wednesday will feature morning and evening storm chances with a slight threat — 2 on a scale of 5— of severe conditions. — Chris Shaffer, CBS News, 30 June 2026 Considerably more sympathetic to her plight is Melanie Saunders (Graynor), a high-minded acting teacher whose intensive Act One studio Hannah chances upon while researching her favorite young actress, Gracie Thomas (Tavi Gevinson), online. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 13 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for chances

Noun

Apple has not had much luck with recent changes to the user interface across its devices.

— Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
On the road leading to the Moroccan town of Fnideq, which borders Ceuta, many migrants were seen walking toward the fence, some barefoot, apparently hoping to try their luck.

— ABC News, ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of luck

Noun

Goatscape is working to create more opportunities where people can interact with the goats, Steffes added.

— Ricky Sayer, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
Cahill said Side Street Studio Arts has given him many opportunities over the years to show his work in various group exhibitions.

— Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of opportunities

Noun

Right now, the probabilities of heavier rain for Sunday are greatest in the Laurel Highlands, but this may shift a bit depending on the speed of the system and location of a cold front Sunday afternoon and evening.

— Trey Fulbright, CBS News, 30 July 2026
While Chicago’s postseason probabilities are high, its chances of overtaking Milwaukee in the National League Central are low, meaning the Cubs are unlikely to receive a first-round bye.

— Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 30 July 2026

Definition of probabilities

Noun

The fifth-year pro is 100 percent aggressive, 100 percent of the time, taking wild gambles that result in either pick-sixes or soul-crushing defensive breakdowns.

— Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 28 July 2026
Both are good gambles for that 11-20 round range, when failing to sign a player doesn’t affect your bonus pool.

— Keith Law, New York Times, 15 July 2026

Definition of gambles

Verb

That process happens anywhere in the world — including in the human gut, where microbes eat indigestible foods, and create a byproduct medical doctors might describe as flatulence.

— Denise Hruby, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
This is different from a total lunar eclipse, which happens when the entire moon is covered by our planet's shadow.

— Julia Gomez, USA Today, 30 July 2026

Definition of happens

Noun

According to Trump’s 927-page annual financial disclosure report, the president earned over $1 billion from his cryptocurrency ventures and other businesses, part of a broader $2 billion haul in 2025 alone.

— Joshua Hong, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2026
Global also has stakes in numerous ventures, including Propagate and Range Media Partners, and is partnered with Vice Media in a joint venture, Vice TV.

— Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 4 Aug. 2026