Definition of mishapnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun mishap differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of mishap are adversity, mischance, and misfortune. While all these words mean "adverse fortune or an instance of this," mishap applies to an often trivial instance of bad luck.

the usual mishaps of a family vacation

When is it sensible to use adversity instead of mishap?

The words adversity and mishap are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, adversity applies to a state of grave or persistent misfortune.

had never experienced great adversity

When can mischance be used instead of mishap?

The meanings of mischance and mishap largely overlap; however, mischance applies especially to a situation involving no more than slight inconvenience or minor annoyance.

took the wrong road by mischance

In what contexts can misfortune take the place of mishap?

The synonyms misfortune and mishap are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

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 mishap The City of Hudson Oaks is notifying customers to boil their water prior to consumption following a construction mishap. Tanya Babbar, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 May 2026 Two boys once triggered a catastrophe – a fireworks mishap that razed an apartment complex and claimed the wife and child of one of its residents, a man named Nomoto, who also suffered grievous burns. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 4 May 2026 In a world of tight connections and occasional baggage mishaps, that peace of mind is priceless. Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 3 May 2026 Dozens of Mountain View homes have gone nearly a week without safe drinking water after a construction mishap contaminated a city water main, forcing families to cook, clean and care for children using bottled water. Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mishap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mishap
Noun
  • It should be noted that most nuclear power plants have run without accidents for decades, and nuclear power plants have many safeguards in place to prevent problems, according to the World Nuclear Association.
    Krisztian Elcsics, Hartford Courant, 12 May 2026
  • Frontier representatives declined to answer questions about the accident and evacuation submitted by email.
    Mead Gruver, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
Noun
  • Prior administration has proactively refunded taxpayers in past misfortune and calamity events, and/or major economic downturns.
    Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 4 May 2026
  • The Vanguards experienced a bit of misfortune in the final game.
    David Delgado, Oc Register, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • Those intentions prove to be relatively short-lived, as personal tragedy and political machinations eventually drove both men down their familiar old paths.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 13 May 2026
  • One year after a fire at a religious hospice claimed the lives of 12 children, Mariel and Tino – a pair of documentary filmmakers – investigate the case of Gisela, the young volunteer who caused the tragedy and whom everyone believes to be dead.
    Roberto Prieto, Variety, 13 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Mishap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mishap. Accessed 14 May. 2026.

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