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

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as in gambles

a risky undertaking it's a chance, but I think the business will be profitable

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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

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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

The Astros, meanwhile, made the most of some of their chances. — Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026 To improve chances of a timely reply, patients should start messages by greeting their doctor by name, ideally including both first and last names. — Paul Hsieh, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026 The increasing chances of being taken, whether one is in a church, mosque, school, on a trip to the capital Abuja or resting at home, is a grim reality that should not be the case given Tinubu’s firm campaign pledges. — Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 31 Aug. 2026 In the sluggishness and repetitiousness of Collin’s podcast book, there is nothing to rival Némirovsky’s novels, which take enormous chances without leaving everyday reality. — David Denby, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 Recently reported results indicate that the personalized medication, taken in combination with the immunotherapy Keytruda, met its main goal, reducing the chances of the cancer coming back within five years of the initial treatment by 49%. — Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026 That has stifled storm chances and ripped apart storms like Dolly. — Chris Dolce, CNN Money, 31 Aug. 2026 At least one expert said that some workers could have access to oxygen, but others warned that the chances of finding survivors were diminishing. — Shristi Kafle, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 Jefferson’s gravity should create one-on-one chances for him in the red zone. — Alec Lewis, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026

Verb

Rain chances along the storm's path remain over 60% on Wednesday, according to weather service forecasts. — Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026 Super-sized conferences have created a world in which the league opponents a team plays — and doesn’t play — during the regular season can be a major factor in that team’s College Football Playoff chances. — Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 Storm chances increase this weekend, especially late Friday night into Saturday, but confidence and coverage remain low for now. — Lisa Meadows, CBS News, 26 Aug. 2026 Rain chances return to the region late Sunday into Monday morning, the weather service said. — Kansas City Star, 21 Aug. 2026 Rain chances drop on Sunday as the deep moisture shifts north-northwest. — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Aug. 2026 The rain chances grew, nearly doubling to 60% on Sunday into Monday, according to the service. — Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 22 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for chances

Noun

If Dublin has any luck left for underdogs, Belichick could certainly use some.

— Giovanni Malloy, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Games that involve equal parts strategy and luck are ideal for groups that meet regularly.

— Heather Bien, Southern Living, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of luck

Noun

The highest probabilities for above average temperatures stretch across the entire northern tier.

— Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
No one knows when a sedentary 75-year-old economist will kick the bucket or a derecho wind will blow the roof off a Roseville retirement condo, but there are actuarial records giving probabilities for either happening.

— Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of probabilities

Noun

Congress has a role to play, too, by balancing the censuring of officials whose risks don’t pay off with awards for those who take heroic gambles for the right reasons.

— Doug Beck, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026
But getting to this point required one of the Civil War’s most famous naval gambles.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of gambles

Verb

But the extremely rapid pace here also raises concern about what happens if, or when, the boom starts to dissipate.

— Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
When that happens, continue beating until the mixture is smooth and some of the batter sticks to the sides of the bowl, another minute or so.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of happens

Noun

Goodness knows what happened there and what circumstances compelled him to write that Instagram post, but his future at Spurs now looks untenable.

— Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
While the factual circumstances differ, there are notable parallels between social-media apps and sports-betting apps.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of circumstances

Noun

The main course is finding new names to invest in, or doing the homework to learn about one of your existing portfolio company's buzzy ventures.

— Zev Fima, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026
The fallout cost Ferguson charity affiliations, contributed to the closure of Sarah's Trust and damaged several of her business ventures.

— Lauryn Overhultz , Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 1 Sep. 2026