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 Combining powerful themes of legacy, adversity, and motivation with a battle cry-like urgency, Hanumankind rouses the listener, rapping percussively over the beat of a Chenda, or traditional Keralan drum. Isha Sharma, Rolling Stone, 19 Mar. 2025 Hold up three fingers in the series' famous salute and it's understood as a sign of solidarity in the face of adversity. Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 19 Mar. 2025 Published in 1946 and translated into 50 languages with more than 16 million copies sold, Frankl’s account follows his time in the Nazi concentration camps and his exploration of the human will to find meaning in spite of unspeakable adversity. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 18 Mar. 2025 Just as a resilient football team bounces back from setbacks and finds ways to overcome adversity, a resilient organization must possess the same fortitude. Dana Berg, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for adversity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adversity
Noun
  • The Philadelphia 76ers have faced tremendous misfortune this season with injuries and now could also have to give up a lottery pick to the Thunder.
    Nick Crain, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • The Rays’ misfortune in losing their home at the Trop was offset by the timing of the Yankees having just completed a massive upgrade to their facility, expanding player/staff space to around 50,000 square feet with top-of-the-line accessories.
    Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Growing up in Florida as the son of Nicaraguan immigrants, Edgar Palacios saw the hardships his parents faced in pursuit of a better life for their family.
    J.M. Banks, Kansas City Star, 12 Apr. 2025
  • The lawsuit specifically cites City Schools’ hardship, pointing to the district’s need to cut other projects and programs to cover the budget gap.
    Racquel Bazos, Baltimore Sun, 11 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • These events devastate local communities not just as the tragedy unfolds but in its aftermath.
    Shoshi Parks, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Instagram comment sections are flooded with hearts and flowers; the media memorializes a tragedy.
    Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The whale, rarely seen in the area, exhibited signs of severe sunburn, breathing difficulties and unusual behavior.
    Terry Collins, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Rather than reviewing all material equally, these tools can identify specific question types causing difficulty, allowing for targeted intervention precisely where it's needed most.
    Dr. Aviva Legatt, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Adversity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adversity. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on adversity

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