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 Army tracks its aviation branch mishaps, and according to its data there were more serious mishaps — those involving deaths, disability or multimillion dollars of damage — last year than there were in the previous decade. Nigel Chiwaya, NBC News, 30 Jan. 2025 Google’s Biden omission error comes as the company undergoes a turbulent period that has included several product mishaps and global scrutiny. Jennifer Elias, CNBC, 23 Jan. 2025 But the bubbly isn’t flowing like it should in eastern Iowa, thanks in part to the mishaps of Iowa’s last splashy dip into the veteran quarterback market, two years ago. Scott Dochterman, The Athletic, 20 Jan. 2025 This mishap allowed Boston to take a brief advantage. Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for mishap 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mishap
Noun
  • Scottie Scheffler, making his season debut after a freak kitchen accident that required surgery on his hand, is only six shots off the lead.
    Gabby Herzig, The Athletic, 2 Feb. 2025
  • Want to build an idyllic life for your Sims, or drown one of them in a freak pool accident?
    Susan Stone, NPR, 1 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Malen’s misfortune, Villa explain, simply came down to signing too many players in the winter window.
    Jacob Tanswell, The Athletic, 8 Feb. 2025
  • Her work follows women in the midst of little misfortunes causing big emotional impacts.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 17 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • All those aboard the plane were killed in the tragedy.
    Rachel Wolf, Fox News, 1 Feb. 2025
  • Our prayers are with the families, friends, neighbors and everyone affected by this tragedy.
    Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 1 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near mishap

Cite this Entry

“Mishap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mishap. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on mishap

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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