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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of adversity
Football coaches like to see how their teams respond to adversity, and the University of San Diego was exposed to some on Saturday.
—
Don Norcross, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Oct. 2025
However, adversity came knocking when Dyer was diagnosed with breast cancer, and battled it for a second time during COVID in 2022.
—Essence, 24 Oct. 2025
That’s why our team members keep their eyes on the bigger picture, and push forward in the face of adversity.
—Olivia Evans, Louisville Courier Journal, 23 Oct. 2025
Her mission is to be an example of overcoming adversity, reminding the world that true success comes from working with love, respect, and shining without dimming the light of others.
—Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for adversity
Don Norcross, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Oct. 2025
However, adversity came knocking when Dyer was diagnosed with breast cancer, and battled it for a second time during COVID in 2022.
—Essence, 24 Oct. 2025
That’s why our team members keep their eyes on the bigger picture, and push forward in the face of adversity.
—Olivia Evans, Louisville Courier Journal, 23 Oct. 2025
Her mission is to be an example of overcoming adversity, reminding the world that true success comes from working with love, respect, and shining without dimming the light of others.
—Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for adversity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adversity
Noun
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Mistakes, misfortunes, even tragedy, toxic secrets from the past—anything can happen, or may have happened.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
24 Oct. 2025
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Sacramento Kings general manager Scott Perry and coach Doug Christie are trying to pick up the pieces after a season of chaos caused their predecessors to lose their jobs, but so far fate and misfortune seem to be conspiring against them.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
22 Oct. 2025
Noun
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As one of six siblings raised by a single mother, Blatt has dealt with her share of hardships.—
Haadiza Ogwude,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
6 Nov. 2025
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Frohling said some in the jury pool may face hardships, such as illness, death or travel, which could potentially excuse them.—
John Diedrich,
jsonline.com,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
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But tragedies like these also reflect the vulnerability of this refugee population – with the overall reduction in support causing a cascade effect for those already living on a knife edge of survival.—
Rebecca Wright,
CNN Money,
25 Oct. 2025
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Mistakes, misfortunes, even tragedy, toxic secrets from the past—anything can happen, or may have happened.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Advertisement Someone with aphasia might have difficulty forming full sentences, instead repeating jumbled words, or will start slurring.—
Angela Haupt,
Time,
4 Nov. 2025
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Yet research also shows that higher levels of screen use are linked to attention and emotion regulation difficulties.—
Daniella Gray,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Adversity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adversity. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
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