What Does "CHANCE" Mean? The Complete Chance Definition
The meaning of CHANCE is a possibility that something will happen or be true; also an opportunity or an event that may occur unexpectedly. In everyday English, the CHANCE definition can refer to probability, luck, or a favorable opening: for example, “There is a chance of rain,” or “I got a chance to speak.” As a verb, chance can mean to happen or to take a risk on something, as in “I chanced to meet her” or “He chanced his luck.” While it is not commonly used as an adjective in modern standard English, it appears in set phrases and older usage.
If you are asking what does CHANCE mean in broader language use, it often overlaps with opportunity, possibility, and risk. That is why CHANCE meaning in word games can be slightly tricky: the word may look simple, but its best answer depends on context. Etymologically, chance comes from Old French cheance, from a Latin root related to “falling” or “befalling,” which helps explain its sense of something that happens by luck or occurrence.
Chance Synonyms: Words Similar to CHANCE
CHANCE synonyms include several words that match different shades of meaning, depending on whether you mean luck, possibility, or opportunity.
- opportunity — Best when CHANCE means a favorable opening or a good moment to act.
- possibility — Works when CHANCE means something may happen, but without the lucky or favorable tone.
- probability — More formal and mathematical than CHANCE, focusing on how likely something is.
- opening — Emphasizes a gap or moment available for action rather than uncertainty.
- occasion — Often refers to a specific time or event, not just a general chance.
- risk — Fits when CHANCE is used as a verb meaning to take a gamble.
- fortune — Suggests luck or fate more strongly than CHANCE does.
How to Use "CHANCE" in a Sentence: Real Examples
Here are a few clear examples showing CHANCE in a sentence across different contexts.
- Noun: “There is a good chance that the meeting will start late.”
- Noun: “I was given a chance to explain my answer.”
- Verb: “I chanced to see the missing keys on the table.”
- Everyday usage: “She took a chance and applied for the scholarship.”
CHANCE in NYT Connections #1106 — Why Did It Appear?
In NYT Connections #1106 on 2026-04-02, CHANCE appeared in the Green category, the hardest group, titled “OPPORTUNITY.” The other words were MOMENT, OPENING, and WINDOW, all of which can mean a favorable time or situation to act. That category logic makes CHANCE a strong fit because it matches the idea of an opportunity rather than random luck alone. Players who didn’t know the OPPORTUNITY theme may have found it confusing because CHANCE usually seems like a general word for probability. If you were searching for the CHANCE NYT Connections answer or wondering what does CHANCE mean in NYT Connections, the key was spotting the “opportunity” sense.
Chance Word Origin and Etymology
The CHANCE origin traces through Old French cheance, which came from the verb cheoir, meaning “to fall” or “happen.” That older root connects to Latin cadere, also meaning “to fall,” and the core idea developed into something that befalls a person unexpectedly. Over time, English speakers used chance to describe uncertain events, luck, and the likelihood of outcomes. This is why the CHANCE definition today can point both to randomness and to opportunity.
Historically, CHANCE used in English has expanded from the sense of “event” or “occurrence” into common modern meanings like “possibility” and “opportunity.” In word-game contexts, that broader history helps explain why the word may feel ambiguous. It is a real, flexible English word with several closely related senses, and that makes the CHANCE meaning especially useful to know.
Frequently Asked Questions About "CHANCE"
What does CHANCE mean? (Quick Answer)
The word CHANCE means a possibility, likelihood, or favorable opportunity. It can also refer to an event happening by luck or happenstance.
Is "CHANCE" a valid Scrabble word?
Yes, CHANCE is a real word and a valid CHANCE scrabble word. It scores 13 points in standard Scrabble, and it is useful because it uses common letters and can fit many board positions.
What is the best synonym for CHANCE?
The best CHANCE synonym depends on context: opportunity is best for a favorable opening, while possibility fits probability or uncertainty. In many everyday cases, opportunity is the closest match.
How do you pronounce CHANCE?
CHANCE pronunciation: /tʃæns/ — one syllable, stressed on the single syllable: CHANS.
Is CHANCE used in everyday English?
Yes, CHANCE used in English is very common in contemporary everyday speech and writing. People use it in casual conversation, news, and formal contexts, such as “There’s a chance of snow” or “She got a chance to lead the project.”