by chance

phrase

: in the haphazard course of events
they met by chance

Examples of by chance in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Margaritora, the chief thoracic surgeon at Rome's Gemelli hospital, also confirmed that the nodule was discovered by chance during routine abdominal examinations. — Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026 Margaritora, the chief thoracic surgeon at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, also confirmed that the nodule was discovered by chance during routine abdominal examinations. — Colleen Barry, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026 The challenge is that people who have never smoked are not currently included in lung cancer screening guidelines, and tumors are often only found by chance. — Estelamari Rodriguez, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2026 The progression to ordinary individuals sharing personal messages seems to have happened by chance. — Jordan Salama, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for by chance

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of by chance was in the 14th century

Rhymes for by chance

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Browse Nearby Words

bycatch
by chance
by-channel
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“By chance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/by%20chance. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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