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.
The actress and singer met Skrip by chance while the two were vacationing in Egypt, with Williams later recalling that their unexpected encounter blossomed into a lasting romance. — Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2026 The Reddit co-founder asked Williams to marry him at Rome’s Cavalieri Hotel—the same place where their paths first crossed by chance in May 2015. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 1 July 2026 The pair had spent the previous night talking for hours after meeting by chance in the elevator of a youth hostel in Munich in May 1998. — Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026 These teams aren't assembled by chance; they are carefully curated for their specific skills and complementary strengths to deliver results. — Marcin Nowak, Forbes.com, 23 Feb. 2026

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
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Cite this Entry

“By chance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/by%20chance. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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