Synonym Chooser

How does the noun adversity differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of adversity are mischance, misfortune, and mishap. While all these words mean "adverse fortune or an instance of this," adversity applies to a state of grave or persistent misfortune.

had never experienced great adversity

When is it sensible to use mischance instead of adversity?

The words mischance and adversity are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mischance applies especially to a situation involving no more than slight inconvenience or minor annoyance.

took the wrong road by mischance

When might misfortune be a better fit than adversity?

The meanings of misfortune and adversity largely overlap; however, 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

When can mishap be used instead of adversity?

The synonyms mishap and adversity are sometimes interchangeable, but mishap applies to an often trivial instance of bad luck.

the usual mishaps of a family vacation

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 adversity But losing the first one as a pro could be a different level of adversity. Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 6 July 2025 Character is the spine that steels the spine in times of adversity and heals the soul in times of trial. John Baldoni, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025 Before his fate was announced, Combs sat surrounded by his legal team reading a printout of Psalm 11, a Bible passage that emphasizes relying on God for protection, even amid adversity. Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2025 But there are genuine stories behind it all, the player who worked at it, overcame adversity, made fruitful decisions, catapulted the competition, and the family who facilitated it, team behind the dream. Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for adversity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adversity
Noun
  • But there is more than a vague element of misfortune in Cassidy’s story.
    Phil Hay, New York Times, 11 July 2025
  • First responders, Tahoe residents, experienced captains and experts on weather and safety painted a picture of both extreme misfortune and lucky coincidences that day.
    Ethan Wolin Updated July 4, Sacbee.com, 4 July 2025
Noun
  • Deferment for financial hardship would also end, though borrowers in default can now rehabilitate their loans twice instead of once.
    Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 July 2025
  • Setting aside money in emergency funds and online IRA accounts, for example, helps cushion financial hardship during an unexpected loss of income.
    Ethan Stone, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Noun
  • For past campers, the tragedy turned happy memories into grief.
    CBS News, CBS News, 7 July 2025
  • While most Americans celebrated Independence Day, a tragedy unfolded in Central Texas.
    The Editors, National Review, 7 July 2025
Noun
  • Amid all the difficulties the country faces, the losses in space science might seem trivial.
    Adam Frank, The Atlantic, 4 July 2025
  • Investigators allege James Craig bought arsenic and cyanide days before his wife was poisoned to death, searched online about how to poison someone, was having an affair and faced financial difficulties.
    Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 4 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Adversity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adversity. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on adversity

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