1
as in misfortune
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in hardship
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 adversity
There was some real adversity early on, with injuries playing a major role.
—
Tony Jones, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2026
This Colorado Avalanche juggernaut has found some adversity.
—Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 17 Jan. 2026
The program was created to help women facing adversity, especially those with limited incomes likely to be raising their children on their own.
—Michael Cuglietta, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Jan. 2026
If the earlier adversity informed his response, winning also underscored the need to remain vigilant and never take anything for granted.
—Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 15 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for adversity
Tony Jones, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2026
This Colorado Avalanche juggernaut has found some adversity.
—Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 17 Jan. 2026
The program was created to help women facing adversity, especially those with limited incomes likely to be raising their children on their own.
—Michael Cuglietta, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Jan. 2026
If the earlier adversity informed his response, winning also underscored the need to remain vigilant and never take anything for granted.
—Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 15 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for adversity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adversity
Noun
-
As the son falls out of an old relationship and into a new one, his moodiness acquires a new pathos—seemingly a symptom of the sheer pain of living rather than a response to any single misfortune.—
Dan Sheehan,
Literary Hub,
22 Jan. 2026
-
And in an essay published over the weekend, another emergency physician says that the show’s decision to focus on the main character’s anguish over Covid paints the pandemic as a sad misfortune, rather than a moral failure.—
Theresa Gaffney,
STAT,
21 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Borrowers in especially difficult financial circumstances can look into options to pause their payments altogether, such as through the economic hardship deferment or unemployment deferment.—
Annie Nova,
CNBC,
20 Jan. 2026
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As with this trilogy’s previous installment, Depardon here depicts the hardships ofthe modern farmer with empathy but also a wry knowingness regarding the changing of the times.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
20 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The historical newspaper clippings speak to her belief that the shooting was not a one-off tragedy but rather the latest symptom of resurgent antisemitism.—
Oscar Holland,
CNN Money,
22 Jan. 2026
-
The fact that the university officials caved in to those opinions is the real tragedy.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The trail system features three destinations—Lower, Middle, and Upper Emerald Pools—each increasing in distance and difficulty.—
Brittany Anas,
Forbes.com,
21 Jan. 2026
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Letlow's entrance into the race, and the president's backing, is expected to create difficulties for Senate GOP leaders.—
Kaia Hubbard,
CBS News,
20 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Adversity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adversity. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.
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