off-chance
Slim but possible
An off-chance is a small or unlikely possibility, almost always appearing after the word "on": I stopped by on the off-chance you'd be home.
The phrase suggests acting despite low odds, often with a hopeful or exploratory spirit: She kept the receipt on the off-chance she'd need to return it.
Thin or meager
- remoteDistant or controller
- longshotUnlikely to succeed
- improbableNot likely true
- outsideBeyond the boundary
doubtful · iffy · unlikely · negligible · minuscule · tenuous · far-fetched · implausible
Chance stroke of luck
- accidentUnintended harmful event
- coincidenceUnplanned matching of events
- happenstanceUnplanned circumstance
- luckChance affecting outcomes
fortuity · random · unexpected · surprise · windfall · fortunate
Stake on uncertain outcome
- lotteryRandomized prize distribution
- betRisked stake on outcome
- wagerStake on uncertainty
- puntKick before landing
flutter · risk · venture · speculation · calculated · hopeful · optimistic · wishful
Expression of uncertainty
- possibilityState of being achievable
- uncertaintyState of being unsure
- hypotheticalAssumed but unproven
- conditionalDependent on prerequisites
provisional · just-in-case · fallback · backup · precautionary · hedge · safeguard · insurance
slim
Thin or meager
- remoteDistant or controller
- longshotUnlikely to succeed
- improbableNot likely true
outside · doubtful · iffy · unlikely · negligible · minuscule · tenuous · far-fetched · implausible · slight
fluke
Chance stroke of luck
- accidentUnintended harmful event
- coincidenceUnplanned matching of events
- happenstanceUnplanned circumstance
luck · fortuity · random · unexpected · surprise · windfall · fortunate
gamble
Stake on uncertain outcome
punt · flutter · risk · venture · speculation · calculated · hopeful · optimistic · wishful · aspirational
maybe
Expression of uncertainty
- possibilityState of being achievable
- uncertaintyState of being unsure
- hypotheticalAssumed but unproven
conditional · provisional · just-in-case · fallback · backup · precautionary · hedge · safeguard · insurance · eventuality
off-chancecertainty
Total absence of doubt
sure thing · guarantee · inevitability · foregone conclusion · dead cert