Synonyms of in the cards

in the cards

phrase

variants also on the cards

as in necessary

impossible to avoid or evade

They knew a career as a ballet dancer wasn't in the cards for their clumsy daughter.

Synonyms & Similar Words

• necessary
• inevitable
• in the bag
• possible
• sure
• certain
• definite
• unavoidable
• likely
• inescapable
• destined
• probable
• ineludible
• ineluctable
• unescapable
• relentless
• decided
• fated
• predetermined
• settled
• unremitting
• foreordained
• preordained
• predestined
• unstoppable
• inexorable

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• uncertain
• doubtful
• unsure
• questionable
• unclear
• avoidable
• evadable
• dubious
• shaky
• preventable
• undecided
• unlikely
• unsettled
• unreliable
• improbable
• undependable

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of in the cards

Golden State Valkyries forward Gabby Williams says her team's epic return in Game 7 of the WNBA Finals, which earned them their first WNBA title Saturday night against the Atlanta Dream, was always in the cards. — ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026

Ultimately, though, the happy ending is not in the cards for Judy and Scottie. — Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2026

There was a large contingent who believed a winless season was in the cards for Jeff Hafley’s rebuilding Dolphins team entering his first season as head coach. — Scott Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026

Turn one tall cabinet into a mini prep pantry if a walk-in isn’t in the cards. — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Oct. 2026