opportunity
noun
op·por·tu·ni·ty
ˌä-pər-ˈtü-nə-tē 
-ˈtyü-
plural opportunities
1
: a favorable juncture of circumstances
the halt provided an opportunity for rest and refreshment
2
: a good chance for advancement or progress
Examples of opportunity in a Sentence
A phony war because its stated objective—eradicating terrorism—is impossible and serves to mask unstated, alarmingly open-ended goals, a kind of fishing expedition that provides an opportunity for America to display its intimidating arsenal …
—
John Edgar Wideman, Harper's, March 2002
Nowadays my only opportunity for an old-fashioned, self-indulgent sulk comes when I'm traveling.
—Ian Frazier, Atlantic, March 2001
I'm handing you an opportunity in the heart of the city where the whole world's heading: journalists, corporate leeches, Japanese tourists, Greco-Roman wrestlers.
—Gary Smith, Illustrated, 11 Sept. 2000
More than 90 percent of female senior managers believe that men's and women's opportunities remain unequal …
—Katha Pollitt, Atlantic, November 1997
You'll have an opportunity to ask questions after the presentation.
When the opportunity came for her to prove that she could do the job, she was ready.
I had the rare opportunity of speaking to the president.
Studying abroad provides a great opportunity to learn a foreign language.
There are fewer job opportunities this year for graduates.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who helped me with this book.
He was given every opportunity to prove that he was trustworthy.
There is plenty of opportunity for advancement within the company.
John Edgar Wideman, Harper's, March 2002
Nowadays my only opportunity for an old-fashioned, self-indulgent sulk comes when I'm traveling.
—Ian Frazier, Atlantic, March 2001
I'm handing you an opportunity in the heart of the city where the whole world's heading: journalists, corporate leeches, Japanese tourists, Greco-Roman wrestlers.
—Gary Smith, Illustrated, 11 Sept. 2000
More than 90 percent of female senior managers believe that men's and women's opportunities remain unequal …
—Katha Pollitt, Atlantic, November 1997
You'll have an opportunity to ask questions after the presentation.
When the opportunity came for her to prove that she could do the job, she was ready.
I had the rare opportunity of speaking to the president.
Studying abroad provides a great opportunity to learn a foreign language.
There are fewer job opportunities this year for graduates.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who helped me with this book.
He was given every opportunity to prove that he was trustworthy.
There is plenty of opportunity for advancement within the company.
Recent Examples on the Web
The class is specifically designed to provide an opportunity to ask questions about Christianity and our Lutheran theology.
—Carin Schoppmeyer, Arkansas Online, 17 May 2025
Beyond professional experience, our program is a next-generation leadership opportunity that builds lasting connections, inspires community impact and fosters personal growth.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
In 2014, two decades after her dismissal, Silverman took the opportunity to host SNL.
—Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 16 May 2025
The film also granted Sweeney the opportunity to work opposite an acting legend in Moore.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for opportunity
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Carin Schoppmeyer, Arkansas Online, 17 May 2025
Beyond professional experience, our program is a next-generation leadership opportunity that builds lasting connections, inspires community impact and fosters personal growth.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
In 2014, two decades after her dismissal, Silverman took the opportunity to host SNL.
—Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 16 May 2025
The film also granted Sweeney the opportunity to work opposite an acting legend in Moore.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for opportunity
Cite this Entry
“Opportunity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opportunity. Accessed 21 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
opportunity
noun
op·por·tu·ni·ty
ˌäp-ər-ˈt(y)ü-nət-ē
plural opportunities
1
: a favorable combination of circumstances, time, and place
2
: a chance to better oneself
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