Take a chance synonyms, such as risk, gamble, venture, and leap, capture different nuances of stepping into uncertainty or acting despite possible consequences. For example, gamble emphasizes risk with potential reward, while venture highlights initiative and boldness. These words help writers, storytellers, and communicators describe risk-taking with clarity and nuance.
If you’re writing about personal decisions, business, adventure, or storytelling, choosing the right synonym lets you strike the perfect tone—bold, cautious, or playful. In this guide, we’ll explore multiple ways to describe “take a chance” and when each term fits best.
These synonyms of take a chance not only enrich your expression but also help you convey courage, risk, and opportunity. From everyday decisions to dramatic storytelling, the phrase reflects bravery, initiative, and possibility.
What Does Take a Chance Mean?
Take a chance refers to acting in a way that involves risk or uncertainty, often in hopes of a positive outcome. It can describe decisions, opportunities, or actions that require courage, boldness, or trust in chance.
The term “take a chance” can describe:
- Trying something new or unknown
- Accepting risk for potential gain
- Seizing an opportunity despite uncertainty
Taking a chance isn’t just action—it conveys initiative, courage, and possibility.
Synonyms & Related Words for Take a Chance (1–30)
1. Risk
Meaning: Expose oneself to possible loss or danger
Example: “He risked everything to start his business.”
Use when: Highlighting potential danger or loss.
2. Gamble
Meaning: Act with uncertain outcomes, often for gain
Example: “She gambled on the new investment.”
Use when: Casual or financial risk-taking.
3. Venture
Meaning: Undertake something bold or daring
Example: “He ventured into uncharted territory.”
Use when: Emphasizing initiative and courage.
4. Leap
Meaning: Make a sudden, bold move
Example: “She took a leap and applied for her dream job.”
Use when: Highlighting decisiveness and bravery.
5. Dare
Meaning: Challenge oneself to do something risky
Example: “He dared to speak out against injustice.”
Use when: Emphasizing courage or defiance.
6. Try
Meaning: Attempt something despite uncertainty
Example: “She tried a new strategy in her business.”
Use when: Casual or everyday context.
7. Take a Risk
Meaning: Act despite possible negative consequences
Example: “They took a risk investing in the startup.”
Use when: General expression of cautious bravery.
8. Test One’s Luck
Meaning: Act in hope of favorable outcome
Example: “He tested his luck at the casino.”
Use when: Chance or fortune-focused context.
9. Venture Forth
Meaning: Go forward boldly into uncertainty
Example: “The explorers ventured forth into the jungle.”
Use when: Literary or adventurous tone.
10. Brave
Meaning: Face danger or risk with courage
Example: “She braved the storm to rescue the dog.”
Use when: Physical or metaphorical courage.
11. Plunge
Meaning: Jump into an action or situation boldly
Example: “He plunged into the new project without hesitation.”
Use when: Sudden, committed action.
12. Step Out
Meaning: Leave comfort zone for opportunity
Example: “She stepped out of her comfort zone to start public speaking.”
Use when: Encouraging personal growth.
13. Stick One’s Neck Out
Meaning: Take a risk that may involve criticism or danger
Example: “He stuck his neck out to defend his colleague.”
Use when: Figurative, casual contexts.
14. Throw Caution to the Wind
Meaning: Act without worrying about risk
Example: “They threw caution to the wind and booked a spontaneous trip.”
Use when: Informal, bold action.
15. Roll the Dice
Meaning: Take a chance and leave outcome to fate
Example: “She rolled the dice and submitted her manuscript.”
Use when: Casual or playful tone.
16. Put Oneself Out There
Meaning: Expose oneself to risk for opportunity
Example: “He put himself out there by applying for a competitive program.”
Use when: Personal growth or social contexts.
17. Take the Plunge
Meaning: Commit boldly to an uncertain action
Example: “She took the plunge and moved to a new city.”
Use when: Life-changing decisions.
18. Explore
Meaning: Investigate or try something new
Example: “He explored new career opportunities.”
Use when: Neutral or adventurous context.
19. Attempt
Meaning: Make an effort despite uncertainty
Example: “They attempted a challenging hike.”
Use when: Formal or neutral tone.
20. Dare to Try
Meaning: Challenge oneself to act despite risk
Example: “She dared to try a new recipe for the first time.”
Use when: Motivational or casual contexts.
21. Go for It
Meaning: Act boldly on an opportunity
Example: “He decided to go for it and pitch his idea.”
Use when: Informal, encouraging tone.
22. Take the Risk
Meaning: Accept possible negative outcomes for potential reward
Example: “They took the risk of investing overseas.”
Use when: Business or decision-making contexts.
23. Step Into the Unknown
Meaning: Act without certainty about outcomes
Example: “She stepped into the unknown when she started freelancing.”
Use when: Dramatic or literary tone.
24. Jump In
Meaning: Enter a situation boldly or immediately
Example: “He jumped in and offered to help.”
Use when: Casual, active participation.
25. Challenge Oneself
Meaning: Take action that involves risk or growth
Example: “She challenged herself to run a marathon.”
Use when: Motivational or personal growth contexts.
26. Take the Initiative
Meaning: Act first despite uncertainty
Example: “He took the initiative to solve the problem.”
Use when: Professional or leadership contexts.
27. Step Up
Meaning: Take responsibility or act boldly
Example: “She stepped up to lead the project.”
Use when: Leadership or opportunity-focused context.
28. Venture Out
Meaning: Go forward into uncertain situations
Example: “They ventured out to explore the new market.”
Use when: Business or travel contexts.
29. Risk It
Meaning: Accept uncertainty for potential reward
Example: “He risked it and asked for a promotion.”
Use when: Casual or motivational tone.
30. Throw Oneself Into
Meaning: Commit fully to an activity or challenge
Example: “She threw herself into learning a new language.”
Use when: Emphasizing dedication and bold action.
Choosing the Right Synonym
When selecting a synonym for take a chance, consider:
- Tone: Bold (plunge, take the plunge), casual (go for it, jump in), or formal (venture, attempt)
- Context: Personal decisions, professional opportunities, or adventurous actions
- Intensity: Choose gamble, risk, or brave for higher stakes; explore or attempt for milder actions
- Formality: Business and academic writing favors venture, attempt, or take the risk; casual writing allows go for it, throw caution to the wind
Conclusion
Take a chance is more than a phrase—it conveys courage, initiative, and willingness to face uncertainty. Its synonyms, from risk to plunge, allow you to match tone, context, and intensity precisely. Whether describing personal decisions, business moves, or life-changing opportunities, each synonym highlights a unique aspect of bold action.
By understanding nuance, risk, and context, you can choose the perfect word for take a chance, making your writing vivid, inspiring, and precise.
