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
  • The two have remained united throughout the murder investigation and subsequent legal ordeals regarding Kohberger.
    — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Through their fantastical ordeals, the X-Men illustrate qualities that inspire viewers, young and old.
    — Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
Definition of ordeals
Noun
  • Deer-Proof Your Garden To keep your flowers from being gobbled up by deer—one of the most heartbreaking of all garden misfortunes—choose flowers that people find glorious and deer find disgusting.
    — Mary Alice Russell, Southern Living, 13 July 2026
  • Jessie blames technology for toy misfortunes, getting angry at all forms of technology, even those already discarded.
    — Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026
Definition of misfortunes
Noun
  • The Georgia case is one of several legal challenges confronting the NCAA over the transition to its new eligibility system.
    — Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • This article is part of The Times’ equity reporting initiative, funded by the James Irvine Foundation, exploring the challenges facing low-income workers and the efforts being made to address California’s economic divide.
    — Audrey McGlinchy, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of challenges
Noun
  • Shipyard capacity troubles Money isn’t the only variable in the battleship plan.
    — Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The data appear to show Miller’s troubles catching up to him.
    — Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of troubles
Noun
  • Yamal has spoken about being recognised on the street at 13, the privations of fame accrued before puberty.
    — Jack Lang, New York Times, 18 July 2026
  • 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
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 9 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on vicissitudes

Nglish: Translation of vicissitudes for Spanish Speakers

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