Synonym Chooser

How does the noun adversity differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of adversity are mischance, misfortune, and mishap. While all these words mean "adverse fortune or an instance of this," adversity applies to a state of grave or persistent misfortune.

had never experienced great adversity

When is it sensible to use mischance instead of adversity?

The words mischance and adversity are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mischance applies especially to a situation involving no more than slight inconvenience or minor annoyance.

took the wrong road by mischance

When might misfortune be a better fit than adversity?

The meanings of misfortune and adversity largely overlap; however, misfortune may apply to either the incident or conjunction of events that is the cause of an unhappy change of fortune or to the ensuing state of distress.

never lost hope even in the depths of misfortune

When can mishap be used instead of adversity?

The synonyms mishap and adversity are sometimes interchangeable, but mishap applies to an often trivial instance of bad luck.

the usual mishaps of a family vacation

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of adversity This is a reeling Vikings offense, working its way through some serious adversity early in a season that began with such high hopes and expectations. Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025 Horn’s ability to push through pain and adversity has been well-earned. Charlotte Observer, 18 Sep. 2025 The Breakers didn’t face much adversity in those two games against lesser opponents. Michael Huntley, Oc Register, 18 Sep. 2025 Marino remains confident that the team will ultimately overcome adversity. Staff, FOXNews.com, 17 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for adversity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adversity
Noun
  • Cincinnati was in jeopardy of a three-game sweep, but Marte's catch and his RBI single in the fifth inning helped the Reds avoid that misfortune.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Finally, there is Edward (Louis Partridge), the youngest brother, who has followed dutifully in Benjamin’s footsteps and has his own unique ideas, but has the sole misfortune of his birth order.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 25 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Another hardship would soon come his way as Baldwin began to write openly about same-sex love.
    Megan Marshall September 25, Literary Hub, 25 Sep. 2025
  • The change eliminated the former requirement that borrowers prove a partial financial hardship to qualify for IBR.
    Annie Nova, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Flags typically fly at half-staff after national tragedies or deaths of government officials, military members or other first responders.
    Ridah Syed, jsonline.com, 27 Sep. 2025
  • The gulf between who Nelson really might be and how an aggregate of cultures—Colombian, American, capitalist, masculine—has molded him is the source of the play’s tragedy.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • House Speaker Mike Johnson already faced difficulties getting legislation across the finish line with a razor-thin GOP majority.
    Sudiksha Kochi, USA Today, 24 Sep. 2025
  • Though the travel brings perks, the exec also admitted to facing an enormous amount of difficulty while trying to make Ballad in Macau, China, where the film is set.
    Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Adversity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adversity. Accessed 28 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on adversity

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