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 However, one instance of the mishap would lead to her literal downfall. Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 23 May 2025 These two mishaps spurred U.K. government officials to reach out to the U.S. State Department, requesting that the Flight 9 trajectory be changed to help safeguard British territories in the Caribbean, according to ProPublica. Mike Wall, Space.com, 19 May 2025 Von later spoke out about the mishap in a clip posted to YouTube. Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025 The video of the immediate aftermath of the mishap, where the line is not yet visible, has since racked up 372,000 views and 7,500 likes. Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for mishap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mishap
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

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

More from Merriam-Webster on mishap

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