Another Word for Chance: 21 Synonyms with Examples
A chance is an opportunity, the likelihood of something happening, or luck. Swap it to make clear which, and to sound more formal where needed.
As a noun: an opportunity
- opportunity
- opening
- break
- occasion
- shot
- window
As a noun: likelihood
- likelihood
- possibility
- probability
- odds
- prospect
- risk
As a noun: luck
- luck
- accident
- coincidence
- fate
- fortune
- fluke
As a verb: to risk
- risk
- gamble
- venture
- try your luck
Need a different word?Look up any word in the synonym finder →
How they differ
Synonyms share a meaning, not always a tone. Here is when to pick each of the main options.
- opportunity
- A favourable chance to do something; more formal.
- break
- Informal; a lucky opportunity, especially in a career.
- likelihood
- How likely something is; formal.
- odds
- The chance of something, often expressed as numbers or in betting.
- coincidence
- Two things happening together by chance.
- fluke
- Informal; something lucky that happened by accident.
Example sentences
- opportunity: The job is a great opportunity to travel.
- break: Her big break came when a producer heard her demo.
- likelihood: There is little likelihood of rain tomorrow.
- odds: The odds of winning the lottery are tiny.
- coincidence: By coincidence, we were born on the same day.
- fluke: The goal was a fluke; it bounced in off a defender.
Opposite of chance
- certainty
- design
- intention
More from WordNet
Less common or more specialised words WordNet lists for other senses of “chance”. Check the meaning before you use one.
adjective: casual
verb: hazard, adventure, find, happen, bump, encounter
noun: hazard
WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Used under the WordNet licence.
Frequently asked questions
What is another word for “chance”?
The most useful alternatives are “opportunity”, “opening”, “break”, “occasion”, “shot”. For the main sense (an opportunity), “opportunity” is usually the closest swap.
What is the difference between “opportunity” and “break”?
opportunity: A favourable chance to do something; more formal. break: Informal; a lucky opportunity, especially in a career.
What is the opposite of “chance”?
Common antonyms are “certainty”, “design”, “intention”.