Another word for opportunity
The best other words for opportunity are prospect, occasion, opening and chance.
- Most formal
- opening, prospect, occasion
- Strongest
- chance, opening, prospect
- Casual
- break, chance to, turn
- Instead of “a rare opportunity”
- chance, opening, occasion
Opportunity /ˌɑpɚˈtuːnɪti/ (noun): a favorable chance or circumstance that makes it possible to do something. In simple words: a good chance to do something, especially at the right time. Below are 13 rated synonyms across 3 senses, plus 29 more related words. Tap a chip for its nuance and an example.
17 synonyms shown
Favorable chance · noun
a good chance to do something
Timely occasion · noun
the right moment to do something
Chance for gain · noun
a chance to obtain benefit or advantage
Find the right strength and register
Drag the amber target to how strong and how formal you need the word to be. The three closest synonyms light up.
You asked for: equal strength, neutral register
- chance — broader and less positive; any possibility
- opening — focuses on a gap or opening to act
- possibility — more neutral and less event-like
The dashed ring marks “opportunity” itself: neutral strength, neutral register.
Synonyms for opportunity in your sentence
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How to choose
Use chance or possibility when you want a broad, neutral word. Use opportunity, opening, or prospect when you want to stress a favorable path, and choose break or shot only in casual contexts.
Antonyms of opportunity
- obstacle
- hindrance
- barrier
- disadvantage
- drawback
- dead end
All synonyms at a glance
| Synonym | Strength | Formality | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| chance | 3/5 | neutral | academic, business, casual |
| opening | 3/5 | formal | business |
| break | 2/5 | casual | business, casual |
| possibility | 2/5 | neutral | academic, business, casual |
| prospect | 3/5 | formal | academic, business |
| chance to | 2/5 | casual | casual, business |
| moment | 2/5 | neutral | academic, business, casual |
| occasion | 3/5 | formal | academic, business, creative |
| turn | 2/5 | casual | casual |
| window | 3/5 | neutral | academic, business |
| season | 2/5 | neutral | academic, creative, casual |
| lead | 2/5 | neutral | business, casual |
| shot | 2/5 | casual | casual, business |
Instead of “very opportunity”
One precise word usually beats an intensifier. See the full words instead of “very” list.
| Instead of | Try |
|---|---|
| a rare opportunity | chance, opening, occasion |
| a great opportunity | good chance, opening, prospect |
| a valuable opportunity | useful chance, benefit, advantage |
More words related to opportunity
Looser matches and phrases, unrated. Check the sense before you swap one in, or compare it with “opportunity”.
- favorable chance
- good chance
- useful chance
- advantageous chance
- timely chance
- well-timed chance
- fitting chance
- suitable chance
- chance to act
- chance to succeed
- chance for advancement
- chance for profit
- chance for gain
- platform
- springboard
- head start
- benefit
- advantage
- edge
- breakthrough
- turning point
- shot at
- go-ahead
- green light
- support
- means
- route
- path
- avenue
Questions about synonyms for opportunity
What is the most formal or academic synonym for opportunity?
Prospect is often the most formal choice when you mean a favorable future possibility. In academic writing, possibility is also common, but it is more neutral and less clearly advantageous.
What is a stronger or milder word than opportunity?
Opening and chance are milder, more neutral alternatives. Break and shot are much more informal and often feel luckier or more personal than opportunity.
Can I use opportunity and chance interchangeably?
Often yes, but chance is broader and less specifically positive. Opportunity usually suggests a better, more advantageous chance, especially in business, education, or career contexts.
What is a more professional word for opportunity?
Common professional alternatives include opening, prospect, or chance, depending on the context. For business or career writing, advantage, avenue, or platform may also fit.
What is a stronger word than opportunity?
It depends on what you mean: golden opportunity suggests a very good one, while breakthrough or springboard can suggest a more powerful effect. If you mean a chance to succeed, advantage or edge may sound stronger in some contexts.