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Dictionary.com

not in the cards

ADJECTIVE
unexpected
Synonyms
STRONGEST
abrupt accidental amazing astonishing fortuitous startling stunning sudden swift unanticipated unforeseen unpredictable wonderful
WEAK
chance electrifying eye-opening from left field impetuous impulsive instantaneous not bargained for out of the blue payback prodigious staggering unheralded unlooked-for unpredicted
Antonyms
STRONGEST
deliberate designed expected intentional planned predictable slow

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The White House said emissaries Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner would engage in an "in-person conversation" with Iranian representatives, but Iranian state media said that direct negotiations were not in the cards.

From Barron's • Apr. 25, 2026

If rolling meatballs is not in the cards on a weeknight, no worry.

From Salon • Mar. 23, 2026

We will continue to watch January VIX futures versus February VIX futures for signs of inversion; that is not in the cards right now, as February continues to trade higher than January.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 2, 2026

Although our desire to hang out remained, the home-cooked meal was suddenly not in the cards.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 31, 2025

A summer without a sport was not in the cards for me.

From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad