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
-
What traits, decisions, or misfortunes exceed a person’s jurisdiction?—
Rachel Vorona Cote,
The Atlantic,
5 Jan. 2026
-
Adamolekun took the helm of Red Lobster in August 2024 after a series of misfortunes at the once-failing casual-dining chain.—
Sydney Lake,
Fortune,
17 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
Cubans have endured a slew of hardships in recent years, including frequent and long-lasting power outages that have turned into blackouts multiple times.—
Kate Perez,
USA Today,
11 Jan. 2026
-
Among community theaters forced to close due to financial hardships was the nearby Artisan Center Theater in Hurst.—
Rick Mauch,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Now, traffic safety advocates are launching an effort to try and prevent more tragedies as part of the annual Passenger Safety Week.—
James Taylor,
CBS News,
21 Jan. 2026
-
Despite this—and despite the tragedies the family bears some responsibility for, like Chappaquiddick and Rosemary’s lobotomy—the Kennedy family’s legacy has stretched far beyond the thousand-odd days JFK served as the nation’s youngest president.—
Chris Murphy,
Vanity Fair,
20 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The shelter also had problems serving the existing community, taking in fewer animals due to difficulties moving them through adoption or rescue, and placing greater emphasis on caring for sick or injured animals.—
Devan Patel,
Mercury News,
14 Jan. 2026
-
The popular Hangout Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama, won’t be back this year because of organizational difficulties, the Music Row website reported.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Adversities.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adversities. Accessed 21 Jan. 2026.
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