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 Those who purchased their Ralph Lauren by way of its official store, on the other hand, felt the new campaign was a positive representation of their lives, where struggle and adversity weren’t at the center. Meagan Jordan, Rolling Stone, 17 Aug. 2025 Sisu can be roughly translated as grit, determination, strength of will, perseverance, and the ability to act rationally and with self-regulation in the face of adversity. Marc Berman august 15, Literary Hub, 15 Aug. 2025 The play explores loss, resilience and the power of human connection amid adversity. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Aug. 2025 Few narrative tropes captivate the media more than an athlete overcoming personal adversity through excellence on the field. Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 11 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for adversity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adversity
Noun
  • And yet the Dolphins have found a way to remain masters of mediocrity, prolonging the NFL’s longest playoff win drought with a combination of misfortune and missteps.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Savannah Guthrie had the misfortune of learning this in a very public forum — live on Today — this week.
    Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Recent aid cuts have deepened hardships for families.
    Charlie Campbell, Time, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Landslide in western Sudan kills at least 1,000 A landslide in western Sudan killed at least 1,000 people, intensifying hardship in a country besieged by years of civil war.
    Tasneem Nashrulla, semafor.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Watts said the child welfare agency also will maintain collaboration with public health officials, law enforcement and treatment providers to prevent tragedies connected to fentanyl and other drugs.
    Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Here is the emphasis on the hardscrabble beginnings and obstacles to be overcome, here is the recognition of a truly raw but once-in-a-lifetime talent that converts the nonbelivers, here are the early wins and the training montages and the tragedies and the comebacks.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Huger was also the subject of viral bodycam footage that showed her difficulty speaking after the crash and making several statements that confused longtime fans.
    Jay Stahl, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
  • The cognitive difficulties are harder to treat, Weinberger said.
    Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Adversity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adversity. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on adversity

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