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.
Before long, the book moves back in time to shadow the king himself, an unhappy leader thrust into his role by chance and now on the brink of death. — Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026 Despite this scrutiny, the demon cave fish was discovered only recently and completely by chance. — Elizabeth Anne Brown, Scientific American, 2 Sep. 2026 When there are multiple logical possibilities for what the next word should be, the model typically selects one of those words by chance, based on their relative frequencies in the data. — Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026 Some stopped during their lunch break, while others stumbled across the competition by chance. — ABC News, 8 Aug. 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

See All Rhymes for by chance

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 4 Sep. 2026.

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