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Synonyms

by chance

Idioms  
  1. Casually, accidentally, as in I ran into Bill purely by chance. [c. 1300] Also see by coincidence.


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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Did Slate politics by chance publish a really excellent feature today on Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary, one so compelling and rich that I could find solace just by reading it?

From Slate Jul. 30, 2026

Bush's crimes were discovered by chance while he was on holiday, following a tip-off from two funeral directors from a different firm.

From BBC Jul. 29, 2026

Some occur by chance as cancer cells divide.

From Science Daily Jul. 22, 2026

Odds of such a skew occurring by chance are about 1 in 6.5 million.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 19, 2026

‘This did not drop by chance: it was cast away as a token to any that might follow. I think Pippin ran away from the trail for that purpose.’

From "The Two Towers" by J. R. R. Tolkien

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