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 hiccup capped a series of communications mishaps that irked employees as the troubled retailer rolled out its first major restructuring in nearly a decade. Dave Smith, Fortune, 30 Oct. 2025 Most of the vehicular mishaps were caused by black ice, according to Day. Owen Clarke, Outside, 29 Oct. 2025 The two would often butt heads as Basil attempted to keep his latest mishap from her attention. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 28 Oct. 2025 The video quickly amassed some 300,000 likes, with followers chiming in about the mishap in the comments section. Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mishap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mishap
Noun
  • The researchers believe their findings could eventually help not only soldiers but also civilians suffering from severe muscle trauma due to car accidents, sports injuries, or natural disasters.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 Nov. 2025
  • These incidents are most often natural, resulting from heart attacks or medical emergencies, but more rarely can be the result of accidents, suicide or violence.
    Alia Shoaib, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Circumstances favoured them, but Bowen’s early misfortune and a West Ham penalty award which was overturned by VAR scarcely influenced them.
    George Caulkin, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025
  • Several reasons were to blame for the scary-low turnout, including a dearth of new releases as well as the misfortune of Halloween landing on a Friday, which meant families were distracted by trick-or-treating.
    Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 2 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Ege didn’t know it at the time, but the tragedy that happened to Musyoka has been playing out across the nation as pedestrian deaths near a four-decade high.
    Johnny Dodd, PEOPLE, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Burma’s plight is not just a domestic tragedy but echoes across the globe.
    Kim Aris, Time, 7 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Mishap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mishap. Accessed 18 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on mishap

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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