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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Tokyo — Japan may have its first ever female prime minister, but her government’s attempts to avoid a royal succession crisis are making the chances of a woman taking the imperial throne ever slimmer. — Hanako Montgomery, CNN Money, 14 July 2026 Before Jagger’s trip to South Florida, the lifelong Arsenal fan was asked by UK’s The Sun about his country’s chances against Norway, led by team captain Erling Haaland. — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026 Spain will be their most demanding opponent yet, but many will favour France’s chances — and their stars should still be at the top of our shopping lists. — Abdul Rehman, New York Times, 14 July 2026 Rain chances on Thursday decrease to 20% as a ridge of high pressure begins to build into the area from the east, ending rain chances Friday into the weekend. — Michael Autovino, CBS News, 13 July 2026 Monsoon season and an intensifying El Niño are also underway and could bring more chances for rain to the region. — Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 13 July 2026 Skies will become partly sunny, and rain chances will drop considerably. — Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 6 July 2026 Fertility companies are betting on artificial intelligence and other technologies to boost the chances of a successful IVF pregnancy. — Edna Bonhomme, Scientific American, 6 July 2026 Merino’s goal came a few mere minutes after Ronaldo had two chances to put Portugal ahead. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 July 2026

Verb

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 Rain chances return on Wednesday night and continue into Thursday. — Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 6 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

The Athletics’ injury luck may have just gotten even worse, as improbable as that may seem.

— Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 11 July 2026
For those looking to test their luck on the strip, or just get a little staycation in, use a 15% discount at any Caesars property in Las Vegas with promo code LOCAL.

— Paris Wilson, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 July 2026

Definition of luck

Noun

Total solar eclipses offer rare and brief opportunities to learn new information about everything from the physics of the sun to the behavior of animals and the dynamics of Earth’s atmosphere.

— Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 15 July 2026
On top of that, 30% of Mbappé’s earnings go straight to his own charity, the IBKM Foundation, which supports young people by developing educational and career opportunities.

— Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 15 July 2026

Definition of opportunities

Noun

LaMelo Ball is teaming up with Anthony Edwards after one of Tim Connelly’s boldest gambles yet.

— Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 26 June 2026
Drawing on generations of Chinatown family lore and silences, See turns China City’s vanished streets and her ancestors’ immigrant gambles into a historical fiction layered with stories of survival and belonging.

— Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026

Definition of gambles

Verb

The answer here is probably not direct payment, which risks reducing a genuinely complex ethical relationship to a transaction and may actually deter some physicians who respond, precisely because the act feels outside the market.

— Sriman Swarup, STAT, 13 July 2026
While Arnold remains unsigned, any team that signs him risks the NFL placing him on the Commissioner’s Exempt List.

— Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 13 July 2026

Definition of risks

Noun

Officers are working to gather information regarding the circumstances that may have led up to the crash, including who was supervising the children.

— Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 14 July 2026
Police said that suspect information, a motive and the circumstances leading up to the shooting remain under investigation.

— Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 14 July 2026

Definition of circumstances

Noun

According to the companies, the collaboration is designed to expand Iron Maiden’s legacy through new experiences for fans, with plans spanning immersive projects, digital initiatives and other ventures that build on the band’s 50-year history.

— SPIN Staff, SPIN, 14 July 2026
What is the philosophy that underpins Elon Musk’s varied ventures, from Tesla to SpaceX to DOGE?

— The New Yorker, New Yorker, 13 July 2026