The best synonym for the best odds depends upon what you want. For a “chance,” try an “opening” or opportunity. For the same word gaining in likelihood; source options includes “Probability” or “Odds.” For Luck, use “Fortune.” For a risk, use “gamble.”
Chance is such a variable word with many meanings, and no substitute fits everywhere. This guide categorizes the choices by meaning, with examples that you can copy.
Key Takeaways
- “Chance” has four main meanings: opportunity, likelihood, luck, and risk.
- Pick your synonym based on the meaning, not just the spelling.
- For opportunity, try opening, opportunity, shot, or break.
- For likelihood, try probability, likelihood, odds, or prospect.
- For luck, try luck, fortune, fate, or fluke.
- For risk, try risk, gamble, or hazard.
- “Odds” and “probability” are not exactly the same thing in math.
Why One Chance Synonym Does Not Fit Every Sentence
Look at these three sentences:
- “She finally got her chance to perform.”
- “There is a chance of rain tonight.”
- “He took a chance on the new job.”
But the thing changes. The first is on an opportunity. Then second is a possibility. Then comes the temptation of risk.
If you use the incorrect synonym – the sentence is bizarre “She finally got her probability to perform” makes no sense. So first ask what you really mean by “chance”.
Chance Synonyms for “Opportunity”
Apply these when probability is a decision point.
- Opportunity: the most direct, neutral choice.
- Opening: a gap or space to step into, like a job opening.
- Shot: casual, often used for a try at something.
- Break: a lucky chance, as in “a big break.”
- Window: a limited stretch of time to act.
- Occasion: a fitting moment for something.
Examples:
- “This internship is a great opportunity.”
- “There is an opening on the design team.”
- “He got his shot at the title.”
- “The sale gives us a short window to buy.”
A quick note: an “opportunity” is something that is good with good timing. The word “chance” is neutral thus a good or a bad situation might be indicated.
Chance Synonyms for “Likelihood”
When chance is involved, use these to indicate a likelihood.
- Probability: the formal word, often used with math or data.
- Likelihood: a general, everyday word for how likely something is.
- Odds: how likely something is, often used in betting and sports.
- Prospect: the chance of something happening in the future.
- Possibility: something that could happen, with no sense of how likely.
- Outlook: a general view of what is likely ahead.
Examples:
- “The probability of rain is high.”
- “The likelihood of a delay is small.”
- “Their odds of winning improved.”
- “There is little prospect of a deal.”
Odds vs Probability
Many articles refer to these as the same, but that’s not accurate in math.
Probability is a way to measure how likely something is to happen as we compare it to all expected outcomes. Relying on comparing to their non-completion, odds are the probability of an event happening to the probability of it not happening. They are more or less used interchangeably in everyday dialogue, but in math, statistics, or betting, the difference is important.
Possibility vs Chance
“What is the difference between ‘possibility’ and ‘chance’?” It means if something is possible. The word ‘chance’ adds an element of uncertainty to it: is it likely to happen or is it going to maybe? The phrase, “There is a possibility of snow,” is considered to be weaker than, “There’s a good chance of snow.”
Chance Synonyms for “Luck”
Give these next when things happen at random without a clear reason.
- Luck: the everyday word.
- Fortune: luck, often with a larger or more formal feel.
- Fate: a force that seems to decide what happens.
- Fluke: a rare, unlikely event, often a lucky one.
- Coincidence: two things happening together by chance.
- Serendipity: finding something good by accident.
- Accident: something that happens without planning.
Examples:
- “It was pure luck that we met.”
- “By a fluke, the ball bounced in.”
- “What a coincidence to see you here.”
- “Meeting my mentor was serendipity.”
Not everything occurs in the same small measure. A freak event is rarely both improbable and fortuitous. A coincidence is not always a stroke of luck. Every instance of serendipity is nice to be surprised.
Chance Synonyms for “Risk”
These apply when you treat opportunity costs as a potential loss.
- Risk: the standard word for possible harm or loss.
- Gamble: a risk taken on purpose, hoping for a gain.
- Hazard: a source of possible harm.
- Venture: a risky attempt, often in business.
- Speculation: a risky bet on future results, often in money.
Examples:
- “Starting a company is a risk.”
- “Moving across the country was a gamble.”
- “Icy roads are a hazard.”
To phrase it, “best a take a chance” mean taking a risk. Both are fine.
Synonyms When “Chance” Is an Adjective or Verb
Chance as an Adjective
Here are some alternatives for phrases like “a chance meetup,” word meaning not prearranged.Good synonyms:
- Accidental
- Unplanned
- Random
- Incidental
- Fortuitous
“Fortuitous” means in good terms if it was caused by fate. The main meaning of this word is that things happen randomly.
The humans you have found on this site often use the word “Fortuitous” to mean “lucky,” but the original meaning is “happenstance.”
Chance as a Verb
It can also be a verb. If you said, “Take the chance,” I would interpret it as you cautioning me to risk it.
- Risk
- Gamble
- Venture
- Dare
An example of a “chance upon” could be an accidental find/meeting. Alternatives include “come across,” “stumble on,” and “happen on.”
Common Phrases With “Chance” and Their Alternatives
- By chance: by accident, accidentally, unexpectedly
- No chance: no way, impossible, out of the question
- Fat chance (informal): not likely, no way
- Second chance: another try, a fresh start
- On the off chance: just in case, in case
- Take a chance: take a risk, gamble
Common Mistakes When Choosing a Chance Synonym
Mistake 1: Using “probability” in casual writing. It sounds stiff in a text or a friendly email. “Likelihood” or “odds” often sounds more natural.
Mistake 2: Treating “possibility” as the same as “chance.” Possibility does not tell you how likely something is.
Mistake 3: Using “opportunity” for a bad situation. It usually suggests something favorable. If the situation is neutral or negative, “chance” is the safer word.
Mistake 4: Mixing up odds and probability in technical writing. If your reader works with numbers, use the right word.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best synonym for chance?
It depends on the meaning. For an opportunity, use “opportunity” or “opening.” For likelihood, use “probability” or “likelihood.” For luck, use “fortune.” For risk, use “gamble.”
What is a formal synonym for chance?
“Probability” and “likelihood” are formal for likelihood. “Opportunity” is the formal choice for a chance to do something.
What is a casual synonym for chance?
“Shot,” “break,” and “odds” are casual. For example, “give it a shot” or “she caught a break.”
Is “possibility” a synonym for “chance”?
Sometimes. They overlap, but possibility only says something can happen. Chance suggests some sense of how likely it is.
What is a synonym for “by chance”?
“By accident,” “accidentally,” and “unexpectedly” all work.
What is the difference between chance and opportunity?
An opportunity is a chance that comes with good timing. A chance can be neutral, and it can also mean likelihood or risk.
Conclusion
Choose a synonym for “chance” based on what you mean in the sentence. Are you talking about an opportunity, how likely something is, good or bad luck, or a risk? Once you know, select a word that fits.
