vicissitudes

noun

plural of vicissitude
as in ordeals
a negative event or circumstance that is common to a particular setting or situation and is usually beyond one's control The vicissitudes of medical school proved too much for the anxious student.

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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 vicissitudes Throughout this dense and always engrossing survey of Lean’s career in film, Thompson threads the vicissitudes of the director’s personal life, spanning six wives and various other relationships and flings. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 27 May 2026 The show is good at making the off-and-on vicissitudes of modern dating feel natural to the plot. — Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2026 The Kino Babylon, opened in 1929 and still going strong despite vicissitudes, is an appropriate venue for Guadalajara’s 40th anniversary showcase. — John Hopewell, Variety, 31 Jan. 2026 The family drama is underpinned by the vicissitudes inherent in moviemaking. — Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 19 Jan. 2026 Their vicissitudes are both timely and for all time. — Peter Rainer, Christian Science Monitor, 17 Dec. 2025 Whatever its reputation, the OIGC is still subject to the vicissitudes of other arts organizations. — Andrew Gilbert, Mercury News, 1 Dec. 2025 By using non-actors who have endured the vicissitudes of the world, Laxe didn’t have to develop the characters in a conventional way. — Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 12 Nov. 2025 Renaissance has prided itself on a debt-free history, despite the vicissitudes of performing arts fundraising. — Jim Higgins, jsonline.com, 24 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vicissitudes
  1. ordeals
  2. misfortunes
  3. challenges
  4. troubles
  5. privations
Noun
  • Through their fantastical ordeals, the X-Men illustrate qualities that inspire viewers, young and old.
    — Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
  • People who have been at this work longer, or have survived similar ordeals, can help a mentee see around corners.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 June 2026
Definition of ordeals
Noun
  • Jessie blames technology for toy misfortunes, getting angry at all forms of technology, even those already discarded.
    — Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026
  • Repairing Furniture There are few misfortunes greater than scratching a new piece of dark wood furniture.
    — Joey Skladany, Southern Living, 17 June 2026
Definition of misfortunes
Noun
  • There have been a few challenges with the kitchen, namely using an oven designed for making bagels to bake bread.
    — Connie Ogle July 17, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026
  • Picking your battles can save energy for bigger challenges as your child grows.
    — Parents, Parents, 16 July 2026
Definition of challenges
Noun
  • Those troubles, the lawmaker said, brewed because of the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
    — Taylor O'Connor July 17, Kansas City Star, 17 July 2026
  • Midtown Sundries’ in Cornelius closed in 2010 after 12 years in business, citing declining sales and financial troubles involving its landlord, WCNC reported.
    — Evan Moore July 17, Charlotte Observer, 17 July 2026
Definition of troubles
Noun
  • Meanwhile, the European settlers, underprepared for actual conditions in the region, suffered great privations, and only 1,500 remained by 1832.
    — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Mar. 2026
  • Diaries kept by Eugenia Zieber describe the privations of the trail, chief among them the frequent deaths of fellow travelers.
    — Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 3 Nov. 2025
Definition of privations

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Cite this Entry

“Vicissitudes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vicissitudes. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on vicissitudes

Nglish: Translation of vicissitudes for Spanish Speakers

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