chance
16 synonyms and 0 antonyms for chance, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — An opportunity to do something.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use chance
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French cheance ("luck, accident"), from Vulgar Latin cadentia ("a falling"), from Latin cadere ("to fall" or "to happen") — the same root behind "cadence."
Full origin of chance →Frequently asked questions
What does “chance” mean?
The word “chance” means an opportunity to do something. In plain terms, an opportunity, the odds of something happening, or something that occurs randomly.
How do you pronounce “chance”?
“Chance” is pronounced CHAHNS (/ˈt͡ʃeə̯ns/ in IPA).
How do you use “chance” in a sentence?
Here is “chance” used in a sentence: “This internship is her chance to break into the industry.”
What is another word for “chance”?
Words with a similar meaning to “chance” include come to pass, occur, transpire, come on, come upon and encounter.
What part of speech is “chance”?
Depending on how it is used, “chance” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “chance” come from?
The word “chance” comes from Vulgar Latin. From Old French cheance ("luck, accident"), from Vulgar Latin cadentia ("a falling"), from Latin cadere ("to fall" or "to happen") — the same root behind "cadence.".
Is “chance” a common word?
“Chance” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “chance” have?
“Chance” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an opportunity to do something.
What is the difference between chance and opportunity?
The two are close, and both mean a favourable moment to act. Opportunity stresses that conditions are right and often that some effort or luck created the opening. Chance can mean the same, but it also carries a sense of randomness or luck — 'by chance' — which opportunity does not.
Does chance mean luck or opportunity?
It can mean both, depending on context. In 'give me a chance,' it means an opportunity to act. In 'we met by chance' or 'the chance of rain,' it means luck, randomness, or probability. The single word covers both a favourable opening and the play of unpredictable events.
What is the difference between chance and risk?
A chance is usually a positive opening — a possibility of something good. A risk emphasises the possibility of something going wrong. Both involve uncertainty, but chance leans toward hope and opportunity, while risk leans toward danger or loss. You take a chance hoping to gain, and take a risk aware you might lose.
What is an example of chance in a sentence?
'This is your chance to shine' uses chance as an opportunity. 'There's a good chance it will rain' uses it as probability, and 'I ran into her by chance' means by luck. The word shifts smoothly between an opening to act and the workings of fortune.