chances 1 of 2

Definition of chancesnext
plural of chance
1
2
as in opportunities
a favorable combination of circumstances, time, and place this is my one chance to succeed

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
as in gambles
a risky undertaking it's a chance, but I think the business will be profitable

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

chances

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of chance

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
Continue reading … GROUNDED TRUTH – Puka Nacua plays coy on chances for Sydney Sweeney date after making play for her. FOXNews.com, 5 Feb. 2026 The scenes in the French capital are full of welcome color and life — everything from receptions in salons or at Versailles to a street carnival to a mermaid swimming in an aquarium — all chances to display sumptuous costumes by Corinne Bruand. Jocelyn Noveck, Boston Herald, 5 Feb. 2026 But a crowded Democratic field increases the chances that two Republicans and no Democrats make it past the June primary. Oren Oppenheim, ABC News, 5 Feb. 2026 In environments where young people have few chances to recover from mistakes, those mistakes can be much more damaging, and the temptations can feel more overwhelming. Mark Mitchell, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026 As Dee takes Taylor under his wing, a vicious attack tests their bond, forcing Taylor to choose between protecting Dee and his own parole chances. Alex Ritman, Variety, 5 Feb. 2026 Here's a look at why the candidates like their chances in this year's election. Ray Padilla, Louisville Courier Journal, 5 Feb. 2026 Republicans are publicly calling for the removal of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and privately freaking out that her Minnesota mess will doom their chances of holding Congress in the 2026 midterms. Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2026 But now that quite a few years have passed, what are the chances that the Duke and Duchess of Hastings will ever return? Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 29 Jan. 2026
Verb
The rain chances in South Florida over the next seven days. Lissette Gonzalez, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026 Storm chances return next week Overall, the elevated wildfire risk is expected to be short-lived. Newsroom Meteorologist, Houston Chronicle, 6 Feb. 2026 The weather service reports that chances for snow, sleet and wintry precipitation will first begin in western Oklahoma on Friday morning, then spread north and east through the day. Isa Almeida, Oklahoman, 23 Jan. 2026 After midnight, rain chances ramp up to about 40% amid increasing clouds. Roberto Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 20 Jan. 2026 Rain chances People in the Miami-area should plan on packing a rain jacket or an umbrella through Friday. Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 14 Jan. 2026 Cruise highlights include scenic sailing through the Endicott Arm and around the Dawes Glacier, shopping for Indigenous handicrafts in Icy Strait Point, and chances to spot wildlife like humpback whales and bears. Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2026 Precipitation chances for this round range from 25% to 50%. Kansas City Star, 8 Jan. 2026 The 49ers chances at the top seed in the NFC playoffs are dead. Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 4 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chances
Noun
  • Many would give the shirt off their back to have your luck in men.
    Jon Wertheim, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026
  • In the first five minutes, Leeds had several moments of threat down their left side, with Abbott actually doing well — albeit armed with a big chunk of luck — to deflect a Gabriel Gudmundsson cross over his own bar.
    Paul Taylor, New York Times, 7 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • New York City’s arts opportunities are the envy of the world, encouraging creative professionals from across the globe to stay and contribute to our diverse heritage.
    Kimberly Olsen, New York Daily News, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Some do it for the exposure, the content and the opportunities may emerge with the NBA’s blue-chip sponsors.
    Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Models reduce language to numerical probabilities.
    Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026
  • The quantum probabilities bouncing around in your lap at the subatomic level.
    Bill Burnett, Big Think, 5 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • At a time when Disney is facing major disruption, such gambles may be just what the company needs.
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Second-round picks always have been relative gambles and have only lost value in recent years as fewer players declare for each draft.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The failure to do so has only cheapened our nation and risks our future as a beacon for the world.
    The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 7 Feb. 2026
  • Its recommendations largely ignore the four fundamental flaws and instead propose a strong mayor system that risks dragging Oakland back to the corruption and special interest dealings that made Tammany Hall famous.
    Steven Falk, Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • India is the planet’s third-biggest climate polluter and what happens here affects everyone.
    Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
  • So whatever happens in their next game, Thiesse will become the first American woman ever to win a curling medal.
    Sean Gregory, Time, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Temporary one-time, 24-hour, oversized vehicle permits are available under the 2021 ordinance for special circumstances such as new vehicles, guests, or unloading and loading.
    Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Feb. 2026
  • Wentworth Area detectives on Sunday morning were investigating the circumstances around the girl's death.
    Tim Jacobi, CBS News, 8 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • His various business ventures also helped pave the way for the Michelin Guide’s 2016 Southeast Asian debut in Singapore.
    Pin Yen Tan 9 min ago, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Three recent stories about Miami-Dade entrepreneurs highlight local leaders, new business ventures and the power of community representation.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 4 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chances. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on chances

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!