9 Best Synonyms for “Second Chance”

“Second chances” don’t come around all that often. You’ve got to snatch them up when they do and make the most of it. This article will explore some good synonyms you can use for “second chance” that work in many different sentences.

The preferred alternatives are “do-over,” “second life,” and “redo.” These words allow you to show that you’ve been given a chance to do something again or correct your mistakes from the first time. Not many people get this, so it’s worth taking advantage of the chance.

Do-Over

“Do-over” is the best synonym you can use. It shows that you’ve been given a chance to try something again, especially if you didn’t do very well with whatever it was the first time.

“Do-overs” don’t happen to everyone. Most people have to take things as they are from the start. If you are granted a “do-over” for one reason or another, you should do your best to seize it.

The definition of “do-over,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “to do something again because you did not do it well the first time.”

• Not everybody gets a do-over. You’re very lucky that the world seems to be smiling at you. It would help if you watched out.
• I’m not sure if you’re able to get a do-over for something like this. It feels like you haven’t earned it, and that’s not okay.
• I want a do-over. It’s not fair that these guys got to repeat it. I should have a chance to do that and see where I get to.

Second Life

“Second life” is a great one to show that a major change has occurred in your life. If you have been given an opportunity to try something again and do it better, you might think of it as a “second life.”

This phrase is particularly effective if you did something wrong that would have negatively impacted your life (like a crime). If you have been given a chance to do the right thing, it would be your “second life.”

• It’s my second life, and I will live it properly. I’m tired of things not going my way. Now is my time!
• She wanted a second life, which is why she did the things she did. You need to respect her decision and move past this.
• This is your second life, so make it count. You need to show them that you can make this work with what you’ve got.

Redo

“Redo” is a great synonym you can use here. It’s a one-word option that shows you would like the chance to do something again. You won’t always be given this chance, but you can always ask for it.

“Redo” comes from the root word “do” and the prefix “re-.” “Re-” means “to repeat” or “do again,” and “do” means “to do.” Combining the two words means you get the chance to “do something again.”

The definition of “redo,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “to do something again.”

• Can I have a redo? I feel like this wasn’t my best attempt! I want to show people that I can do better than that.
• Not everybody gets to have a redo like that. You’re fortunate that you could figure this out on your own.
• If you wanted a redo, you should have just said. Things would have been much easier if you had asked for one.

Another Shot

“Another shot” is a great way to show that you want to give something another go. Someone might offer to give you “another shot,” or you might be looking to take it yourself. Either way, this is a great word to use in this situation.

It shows that you’re looking for a chance to try again. This phrase could work well if you think you can do better than the first time you did something.

• I’m going to give it another shot. I deserve that chance. I want to show everybody that I can do these things independently.
• If you need to take another shot, go for it. Don’t let anybody tell you that you can’t do something like that.
• If it’s another shot you want to take, then you should take it. Stop letting others tell you you only have one chance to get things right.

Another Try

“Another try” is synonymous with “another shot.” You can use “try” in place of “shot” to show that you will do anything to tackle something again and see how well you do. It’s a great one to show that you won’t give up after a minor failure.

“Try” often refers to a choice. You will often choose to “try” something again. It can also mean that someone has granted you the chance to “try,” but it is ultimately your decision to decide if you take that chance.

• I’m going to take another try. I know I can do it, and I want a chance to prove that to myself. Is that okay?
• She’s having another try because she felt like she didn’t give it everything last time. I admire her commitment to this.
• I promise I will get it right this time! I want to show people what I can do! Can I have another try?

Take Two

“Take two” means you get to repeat something you’ve already done. “Take two” comes from filmography, where a second (or more than that) shot can be done to ensure the best angles and acting are caught.

This phrase works well in other aspects of life too. As long as you’re given a second chance to do something, you could say it’s your “take two.”

• This is going to be take two! I’m afraid you won’t get any more chances after this one. This is your last try.
• Take two! Let’s get it right this time. It’s not often that I let people redo the things they got wrong the first time around.
• Okay, I need a take two! It’s not fair to expect me to work in these conditions. Let me show you what I can do.

Second Attempt

“Second attempt” is a simple way to show that you’re doing something again. It doesn’t always relate to a “chance” that you might be provided with. Instead, an “attempt” is a choice, and you can decide whether you want to take it.

While a “second chance” might fall into your lap or might come from nowhere, a “second attempt” is a deliberate effort. If you think you can do something better than you did before, you could attempt it again to see what happens.

• It’s my second attempt, so it needs to go better than my first. I can’t let them all get the better of me. I need to prove myself.
• If you have a second attempt, you need to make it count. You can’t keep acting like you’re going to get through this just fine.
• I’m trying to help you stay motivated. It’s not a second attempt until you’ve failed the first. Has it worked in your favor?

Pardon

“Pardon” is a great synonym for this situation. It shows that you’ve been forgiven for getting something wrong, which allows you to try again. It’s not often that you come across second chances by way of a “pardon.”

“Pardon” is a very powerful word. It’s used when talking about crimes or errors that someone has made in their life. If you can overlook such errors (even criminal errors), you might say that you have “pardoned” someone to give them another chance.

The definition of “pardon,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “to forgive someone for something they have said or done. This word is often used in polite expressions.”

• I needed that pardon so that I got a chance to try again. I want to show people what I can do, and I won’t stop till I do it.
• I’m going to need a pardon for my first attempt. I want a chance to get it right. Please, give me that chance! I won’t let you down.
• I’ll need a pardon for this incident. It went much worse than I expected, which isn’t ideal. I’m sorry that I let you down.

Reprieve

“Reprieve” is another great option. You can use this to show that someone is able to escape the original fate of something. If their life was going poorly or they made a bad decision, they might be granted a reprieve if something better comes along that might help them.

The definition of “reprieve,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “an escape from a bad situation or experience.”

• She was given a reprieve and a chance to do it again. I have no idea what they expected from her, but it certainly wasn’t that.
• Can I have a reprieve? I know I’ve got this in me. I just need a chance to collect myself and figure out my next move.
• What are you going to do if we give you a reprieve? Do you seriously believe you can do this on your own?