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Synonyms

odds-on

American  
[odz-on, -awn] / ˈɒdzˈɒn, -ˈɔn /

adjective

  1. being the one more or most likely to win, succeed, attain, or achieve something.

    the odds-on favorite.


odds-on British  

adjective

  1. (of a chance, horse, etc) rated at even money or less to win

  2. regarded as more or most likely to win, succeed, happen, etc

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of odds-on

First recorded in 1885–90

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.

Now, a little more than two years into the job, May has the Wolverines in the national championship as the odds-on favorites to cut down the nets.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

Spirited Boss, at 18-1, held off Amorita as well as defending champion and odds-on favorite Queen Maxima, to win for trainer Jose Francisco D’Angelo.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

Jessie Buckley, who plays the grief-stricken Agnes, is odds-on favourite for best leading actress after winning the best drama actress honours at the Golden Globes.

From Barron's • Feb. 22, 2026

Though there’s no direct line between Hemingway and Luk Yu, it was the popular spot for an entourage such as this, so it’s the odds-on favorite.

From Salon • Jul. 12, 2025

Cushing & Orth’s pair was odds-on favorites and the bulk of the big speculators’ money went on the entry.

From History of the Kentucky Derby, 1875-1921 by O'Connor, John Lawrence