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 The adversity faced during her UConn career helped prepare her mentally as well as physically for the whirlwind transition. Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 8 May 2025 The adversity Cassandra, Jane, and their mother face after the Austen patriarch’s death. Judy Berman, Time, 2 May 2025 Everybody found a way and that’s who this group has continued to be and will continue to be moving forward no matter the circumstances, no matter the adversity [and] no matter what you’re hit with in a season. Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2025 The songs intricately narrate the struggles of overcoming adversity, seeking hope in uncertainty, and marching collectively toward the future. Billboard China, Billboard, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for adversity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adversity
Noun
  • Animals with black fur are adopted less often as people associate the color with bad luck and misfortune, according to an article from Dogster.
    Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025
  • As Snow White continues to face controversy and underwhelming box office numbers, Bill Maher is poking fun at the movie’s latest misfortune.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Her writing style combines careful historical detail with moving personal recollection, allowing readers to vicariously experience the grueling training, camaraderie, and hardships of St. Gertrude's Hospital School of Nursing’s nursing students, more commonly referred to as St. Trudy's students.
    Sixteen Ramos, USA Today, 9 May 2025
  • This is a sweet story all about family legacy, authentic food, and fighting to preserve both in the face of hardship.
    DeVonne Goode, Parents, 8 May 2025
Noun
  • There were a lot of tragedies, there were a lot of difficult things that happened.
    Joan MacDonald, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
  • Two weeks ago, the tragedy in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of Indian tourists sparked rightful outrage.
    Faisal Kutty, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025
Noun
  • Listen to Booster and Yang talk about the difficulty of working alongside their cutie costars in the podcast episode above.
    EW.com, EW.com, 2 May 2025
  • The broader issue is that the Cubs may have difficulties finding an upgrade.
    Sahadev Sharma, New York Times, 2 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Adversity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adversity. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on adversity

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