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 Rice and Texas State began without delay after the mishap. Zoe Collins Rath, Austin American Statesman, 2 Jan. 2026 Joanna shared some insight into her Christmas decorating strategy in November on Instagram — while also getting candid about a relatable mishap. Marina Watts, PEOPLE, 30 Dec. 2025 The apparent naming mishap in The Four Spent the Day Together casts these variations in a less flattering light. Rosa Lyster, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025 About Time The time-traveling main character in this film uses his powers to go back in time to fix a New Year's Eve kiss, as well as many other mishaps throughout the course of his life. Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 30 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mishap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mishap
Noun
  • The suspect, 27-year-old Eric Ramon Alcantara-Guevara, is charged with vehicular homicide, DUI and leaving the scene of an accident knowing a death resulted following the crash Sunday night on Interstate 640 West in Knoxville.
    Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 21 Jan. 2026
  • First, in 2022, the couple were involved in a serious car accident that required Hayley, 31, to get four stitches in her forehead.
    Brianne Tracy, PEOPLE, 21 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • As the son falls out of an old relationship and into a new one, his moodiness acquires a new pathos—seemingly a symptom of the sheer pain of living rather than a response to any single misfortune.
    Dan Sheehan, Literary Hub, 22 Jan. 2026
  • And in an essay published over the weekend, another emergency physician says that the show’s decision to focus on the main character’s anguish over Covid paints the pandemic as a sad misfortune, rather than a moral failure.
    Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 21 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The historical newspaper clippings speak to her belief that the shooting was not a one-off tragedy but rather the latest symptom of resurgent antisemitism.
    Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 22 Jan. 2026
  • The fact that the university officials caved in to those opinions is the real tragedy.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 22 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mishap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mishap. Accessed 24 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on mishap

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!