Definition of mischancenext

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
  • The airline has been one of the most successful startups in aviation history, but its rapid growth has been tainted by several accidents and questions about the reliability of its aged fleet.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Some publications have questioned the value of paying for pet insurance, arguing the premiums will cost most pet owners more in the long run since expensive accidents that lead to high vet bills are rare.
    Jeff Wagner, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The latter faces more corruption up front, but both protagonists deal with their fair share of misfortune, growing up all too fast as a result.
    David Opie, IndieWire, 15 Apr. 2026
  • The Philadelphia singer-songwriter seeks out the mystical potential of quotidian misfortunes in a set of psychedelic-of-center bedroom pop songs.
    Lily Goldberg, Pitchfork, 8 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • As investigators struggle to piece together a motive for such a senseless tragedy, multiple family members told CNN Elkins had previously struggled with his mental health.
    Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026
  • The tragedy in Louisiana is one of the nation's deadliest mass shootings in recent years.
    CBS News, CBS News, 22 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Mischance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mischance. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.

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