1
as in misfortunes
bad luck or an example of this
many people came face-to-face with life-altering adversity when the stock market crashed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in hardships
something that is a cause for suffering or special effort especially in the attainment of a goal
some overcame all the adversities of the Great Depression and rebuilt their fortunes
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of adversities
The characters on this list go to war — whether real or imaginary — with their circumstances and find a way to turn their adversities into their advantage.
—
Chris Snellgrove, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Jan. 2026
Lately a nun, middle-aged Nora Breen moves into a boarding house in a seaside village, slowly healing from the adversities of World War II.
—The Know, Denver Post, 30 Nov. 2025
Each track weaves together themes of resilience and triumph, forging a powerful connection with listeners who have faced their own adversities.
—Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 17 Oct. 2025
Sgarbossa makes sure to refer to the man himself, Pierre Balmain, and his resilience to adversities during tumultuous times, able to uplift women through fashion.
—Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
But his rendition of the history of the Axis of Resistance—from its birth out of necessity, to its success, to its present adversities—is largely accurate.
—Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 2 Sep. 2025
And there's also, of course, the ability to overcome the adversities life throws our way, which is often where the legend's stuff lies.
—Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Aug. 2025
These social adversities could range from violence in the community to insecure housing.
—Malaika Jabali, Essence, 10 Mar. 2025
Olivia, 12, faces family eviction, depression and finds a new community to rebuild her life and overcome adversities.
—Jamie Lang, Variety, 14 Feb. 2025
Chris Snellgrove, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Jan. 2026
Lately a nun, middle-aged Nora Breen moves into a boarding house in a seaside village, slowly healing from the adversities of World War II.
—The Know, Denver Post, 30 Nov. 2025
Each track weaves together themes of resilience and triumph, forging a powerful connection with listeners who have faced their own adversities.
—Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 17 Oct. 2025
Sgarbossa makes sure to refer to the man himself, Pierre Balmain, and his resilience to adversities during tumultuous times, able to uplift women through fashion.
—Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
But his rendition of the history of the Axis of Resistance—from its birth out of necessity, to its success, to its present adversities—is largely accurate.
—Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 2 Sep. 2025
And there's also, of course, the ability to overcome the adversities life throws our way, which is often where the legend's stuff lies.
—Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Aug. 2025
These social adversities could range from violence in the community to insecure housing.
—Malaika Jabali, Essence, 10 Mar. 2025
Olivia, 12, faces family eviction, depression and finds a new community to rebuild her life and overcome adversities.
—Jamie Lang, Variety, 14 Feb. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adversities
Noun
-
But there’s a network of people looking to cash in on others’ misfortunes by renting out aging RVs to those searching for housing without a lease or tenant protections.—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Once these people are already profiting off their own peccadillos and escalating misfortunes, why shouldn’t HBO?—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
That Lifeline Grocery Initiative has grown into a full farmers market with a pay-what-you-can model that encourages shoppers to create a new relationship with food, no matter their economic hardships.—
Annemarie Dooling,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
18 Feb. 2026
-
The union has disputed Kaiser’s claims that a significant number of its members had crossed picket lines and returned to work, some of whom have talked about the financial hardships of striking.—
Pat Maio,
Oc Register,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Adams believes the outcome could set a precedent in Georgia, prompting prosecutors to more closely examine the responsibility of parents in such tragedies.—
Nakell Williams,
CBS News,
16 Feb. 2026
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But while Arnold and the band went on to sell 30 million albums, cementing a legacy as one of the post-grunge era’s most successful groups, 3 Doors Down also were forced to navigate a series of tragedies, some by their own making.—
Jim Beaugez,
Rolling Stone,
15 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Even those who are trying to keep the roads clear and safe are having difficulties.—
Matt Schooley,
CBS News,
23 Feb. 2026
-
Multiple reviewers expressing frustration over automatic renewals and difficulties in obtaining refunds or cancellations.—
Rebecca Strong,
USA Today,
23 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Adversities.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adversities. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
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