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 But this won’t be the first time this Yankees team has faced some adversity. Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Oct. 2025 A lot of adversity and newness. Caitlyn Hitt, PEOPLE, 6 Oct. 2025 Of course, they're known for their artisan wares, local cuisine, and mountain music, but in the wake of Hurricane Helene, residents showed courage in the face of adversity. Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2025 Dean sees Malone’s experience as one of adversity, but also of triumph. Lyndsay C. Green, Freep.com, 28 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for adversity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adversity
Noun
  • There is, however, such a reality as too much of a good thing, even for those who imbibe in the saloon of others’ misfortune.
    Blake Toppmeyer, USA TODAY, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Hampus Lindholm had the misfortune of breaking his patella in November.
    Fluto Shinzawa, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Other service members also said loans from the credit union, which is offering interest-free loans amid the shutdown, was standing between them and financial hardship.
    Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 16 Oct. 2025
  • During this time, Chinese workers took up laundry work, which offered economic opportunity for the early immigrants despite legal and social hardships.
    Everett Eaton, jsonline.com, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Her name was Maggie McCabe, a grieving former combat surgeon who had her license revoked after a tragedy.
    Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 11 Oct. 2025
  • The duo pushes the concept of illusion versus reality to the extreme, personally and professionally, until tragedy reframes and opens a mystery surrounding their last fateful Las Vegas show.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Flip invented the Wheezer Scale for gauging the difficulty of hiking up hills.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Citing financial difficulties and a new business action plan, the IDS reduced its print production last January to seven times per semester.
    Cate Charron, IndyStar, 14 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Adversity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adversity. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on adversity

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