Synonym Chooser

How does the noun mischance differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of mischance are adversity, misfortune, and mishap. While all these words mean "adverse fortune or an instance of this," mischance applies especially to a situation involving no more than slight inconvenience or minor annoyance.

took the wrong road by mischance

When is adversity a more appropriate choice than mischance?

The meanings of adversity and mischance largely overlap; however, adversity applies to a state of grave or persistent misfortune.

had never experienced great adversity

In what contexts can misfortune take the place of mischance?

In some situations, the words misfortune and mischance are roughly equivalent. 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 could mishap be used to replace mischance?

The words mishap and mischance are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 mischance Through mischance and rebel defiance, many of these same redcoats had failed to capture the fortress eight months earlier, despite standing at the gates. / Cbs News, CBS News, 13 June 2025 In the summer of 2020, amid the Covid-19 pandemic, both Arsenal and Liverpool had the strange mischance to lift silverware in empty stadia: Liverpool were crowned Premier League champions in an Anfield devoid of fans, while Arsenal won the FA Cup final in a cavernous, echoing Wembley Stadium. James McNicholas, New York Times, 10 May 2025 Timothy Naftali, New York University historian But mischance and error plagued the U.S. effort to divert the missile crisis. Glenn Garvin, miamiherald, 18 Oct. 2015
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mischance
Noun
  • Domino Effect Prevention The domino effect prevention model suggests accidents result from interconnected events, each like a falling domino that sets off the next.
    Aleksandr Yampolskiy, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
  • Reports soon emerged indicating Marte was in tears because of a fan yelling something to him about his late mother, who died in a car accident in 2017.
    Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • Drake is getting candid about his recent gambling misfortunes.
    Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 19 June 2025
  • However, the newlywed hopes that even if his money is never returned, his misfortune can serve as a warning for others.
    Angel Saunders, People.com, 19 June 2025
Noun
  • Jacobson said the sorrow among Amira’s family and friends was tempered by a supportive community, including members of the Mosque Foundation who visited Richards after the tragedy.
    Janice Neumann, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2025
  • The page lists half a dozen directorial projects Ford is attached to, including ferry disaster tragedy Wahine out of New Zealand, fantasy tale The King of Light – The Order of the Dark Gods, and comedy Food Fight.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 24 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Mischance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mischance. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on mischance

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