Synonym Chooser

How does the noun mischance differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of mischance are adversity, misfortune, and mishap. While all these words mean "adverse fortune or an instance of this," mischance applies especially to a situation involving no more than slight inconvenience or minor annoyance.

took the wrong road by mischance

When is adversity a more appropriate choice than mischance?

The meanings of adversity and mischance largely overlap; however, adversity applies to a state of grave or persistent misfortune.

had never experienced great adversity

In what contexts can misfortune take the place of mischance?

In some situations, the words misfortune and mischance are roughly equivalent. 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 could mishap be used to replace mischance?

The words mishap and mischance are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 mischance In the summer of 2020, amid the Covid-19 pandemic, both Arsenal and Liverpool had the strange mischance to lift silverware in empty stadia: Liverpool were crowned Premier League champions in an Anfield devoid of fans, while Arsenal won the FA Cup final in a cavernous, echoing Wembley Stadium. James McNicholas, New York Times, 10 May 2025 Timothy Naftali, New York University historian But mischance and error plagued the U.S. effort to divert the missile crisis. Glenn Garvin, miamiherald, 18 Oct. 2015
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mischance
Noun
  • Some patients have received custom titanium facial implants after accidents.
    Anne Schmitz, The Conversation, 20 May 2025
  • The car accident in 1987 changed their lives and wedding plans but not their love for each other.
    Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 20 May 2025
Noun
  • Despite the simple words and soft pastel illustrations, the similarities between Sarah's real-life drama and the misfortunes that befall the cute, innocent forest animals are undeniable.
    Maureen Maher, CBS News, 23 May 2025
  • Aniston plays Tory, who has the misfortune of finding herself in his sights.
    Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • And a drowning tragedy struck a TikTok influencer's family.
    Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 20 May 2025
  • Few legacies in American motorsports carry the same weight, and even fewer families are as synonymous with both triumph and tragedy.
    Greg Engle, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Mischance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mischance. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on mischance

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