op·por·tu·ni·ty (ŏp'ər-to͞oʹnĭ-tē, -tyo͞oʹ-)n. pl. op·por·tu·ni·ties 1. a. A favorable or advantageous circumstance or combination of circumstances. b. A favorable or suitable occasion or time. 2. A chance for progress or advancement. Synonyms:opportunity, occasion, opening, chance, break These nouns refer to a favorable or advantageous circumstance or combination of circumstances. Opportunity is an auspicious state of affairs or a suitable time: “If you prepare yourself... you will be able to grasp opportunity for broader experience when it appears” (Eleanor Roosevelt). Occasion suggests the proper time for action: an auspicious occasion; an occasion for celebration. An opening is an opportunity affording a good possibility of success: waited patiently for her opening, then exposed the report's inconsistency.Chance often implies an opportunity that arises through luck or accident: a chance for us to chat; no chance of losing. A break is an often sudden piece of luck, especially good luck: got his first big break in Hollywood.