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 Nevertheless, the adversity Purdy faced throughout the season only proved his worth to San Francisco. Valentina Martinez, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025 Happiness, after all, isn’t always our goal, and Disney’s films feature a breath of emotions, including a number that focus on finding strength in adversity. Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025 Thriving after having faced extreme adversity is core to Marine Electric Systems culture, and to the US Navy itself. Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 13 May 2025 Recognizing that there are opportunities hidden in every adversity, Dobey conceptualized Hibe, a social platform with a focus on news. Nia Bowers, USA Today, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for adversity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adversity
Noun
  • Despite the simple words and soft pastel illustrations, the similarities between Sarah's real-life drama and the misfortunes that befall the cute, innocent forest animals are undeniable.
    Maureen Maher, CBS News, 23 May 2025
  • Aniston plays Tory, who has the misfortune of finding herself in his sights.
    Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • The Tower is not always an omen of hardship and struggle.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 June 2025
  • Vidal Banuelos said the restaurant never recovered from the financial hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic.
    Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • The narrative moves between Joan’s ascent through the ranks, including a love story as explosive as a rocket launch, and a mid-decade disaster reminiscent of the Challenger tragedy.
    Bethanne Patrick, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2025
  • Saar says the phrase refers to those seeking to export violence beyond the Middle East to places like America, making the D.C. shooting much more than a local tragedy.
    Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 31 May 2025
Noun
  • These disruptions and the resulting symptoms like headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, difficulty concentrating, memory lapses, balance issues, sensitivity to light and noise and personality changes can last minutes to days to even weeks and months.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
  • The difficulty is that anger doesn't get to be carried out by taking out a handgun and shooting at three teenagers.
    Christine Pelisek, People.com, 30 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Adversity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adversity. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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