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
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
Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025
But using weights that are too heavy can backfire by upping your chances of injury and reducing the effectiveness of the exercise, Nesbitt says.
—Christa Sgobba, SELF, 11 Feb. 2025
Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2025
With Republicans eyeing Black male voters in a big way this election, the vice president’s team is on the move and not leaving anything to chance.
—Melissa Noel, Essence, 15 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for chance 
Noun
For your best chances of seeing the northern lights tonight, head out to a dark location far from city lights and look northward.
—Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025
But using weights that are too heavy can backfire by upping your chances of injury and reducing the effectiveness of the exercise, Nesbitt says.
—Christa Sgobba, SELF, 11 Feb. 2025
Verb
Maybe this time will be different? Don’t leave it to chance.
—Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2025
With Republicans eyeing Black male voters in a big way this election, the vice president’s team is on the move and not leaving anything to chance.
—Melissa Noel, Essence, 15 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for chance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chance
Noun
-
No player made more than the Netherlands international’s 27 defensive actions, but this was by design rather than luck with his manager fully aware of the danger Bournemouth pose down the flanks.—
Mark Carey,
The Athletic,
3 Feb. 2025
-
So finding the right dessert to bring for any family gathering requires some magic skills and a bit of luck.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
2 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Coming off a contentious last couple weeks for his film’s awards campaign, Audiard had a more light-hearted opportunity to reflect on his Best Picture nominee.—
Vincent Perella,
IndieWire,
9 Feb. 2025
-
The coach took the opportunity to again mention something he’s frequently bemoaned over the years.—
Kevin Kurz,
The Athletic,
9 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Temperatures have about a 30% chance of falling below freezing overnight Friday along Interstate 70, with probabilities increasing towards 80% near the Iowa border, the weather service said.—
Robert A. Cronkleton,
Kansas City Star,
3 Feb. 2025
-
While the identification has triggered international planetary defense measures, experts say that further observations of the asteroid might drop the impact probability down to zero.—
Margherita Bassi,
Smithsonian Magazine,
31 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
In the years since Miss Congeniality debuted, the cast members have pursued various ventures and expanded their families.—
Jordana Comiter,
People.com,
8 Feb. 2025
-
Venezuela has a heavy type of crude oil that is optimal for asphalt, which is produced by a joint venture project run by PDVSA and Chevron, said Juan Fernández, a former PDVSA executive director of planning, who now lives in South Florida.—
Antonio Maria Delgado,
Miami Herald,
7 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
How To Die Alone followed Mel (Rothwell), a broke, fat, Black JFK airport employee who’s never been in love and forgotten how to dream, until an accidental brush with death catapults her on a journey to finally take flight and start living by any means necessary.—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
4 Feb. 2025
-
That's good enough for defending against a missile attack from a rogue state or an accidental missile launch by one of the world's other nuclear powers.—
Stephen Clark,
Ars Technica,
29 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Banksy, the anonymous British graffiti artist, risks losing the right to his own name in a landmark case brought against him by a greeting card company.—
George Nelson,
ARTnews.com,
11 Feb. 2025
-
Loading your audio article As an activist fighting the oppressive Nicaraguan regime, Carmen risked her life to save others.—
Luis Melecio-Zambrano,
The Mercury News,
9 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Every few minutes, in pretty much every scene, something weird happens that’s unrelated to the central plot.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
10 Feb. 2025
-
For the celebrity hairstylist, styling is where the magic happens.—
Larry Stansbury,
Essence,
10 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
The circumstances around this match were different.—
Mario Cortegana,
The Athletic,
9 Feb. 2025
-
Though the circumstances were different, the underlying issue—expecting one person to handle the burden without full agreement—chimes with the OP's dilemma.—
Yaakov Katz,
Newsweek,
9 Feb. 2025
Articles Related to chance
Thesaurus Entries Near chance
Cite this Entry
“Chance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chance. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share