Another Word for Opportunity: 7 Synonyms with Examples
An “opportunity” is a set of circumstances that makes something possible. The best synonym depends on whether you mean a lucky chance, an opening or the right time.
As a noun: a favourable chance to do something
- chance
- opening
- prospect
- occasion
- possibility
- window
- break
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How they differ
Synonyms share a meaning, not always a tone. Here is when to pick each of the main options.
- chance
- The everyday equivalent; slightly less formal and sometimes implies luck.
- opening
- Often used for jobs or for a gap in the market.
- window
- Emphasises a limited time in which something must happen.
- prospect
- Looks to the future: a possibility that might happen, not one already available.
- break
- Informal; usually a lucky first success, as in “her big break”.
Example sentences
- chance: This trip is a chance to see how the business works overseas.
- opening: There is an opening for a junior designer in the London office.
- window: We have a narrow window to apply before the deadline.
- prospect: The prospect of promotion kept him motivated.
- break: Her big break came when a producer heard her demo.
Opposite of opportunity
- obstacle
- setback
- drawback
Frequently asked questions
What is another word for “opportunity”?
The most useful alternatives are “chance”, “opening”, “prospect”, “occasion”, “possibility”. For the main sense (a favourable chance to do something), “chance” is usually the closest swap.
What is the difference between “chance” and “opening”?
chance: The everyday equivalent; slightly less formal and sometimes implies luck. opening: Often used for jobs or for a gap in the market.
What is the opposite of “opportunity”?
Common antonyms are “obstacle”, “setback”, “drawback”.