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

Examples 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 The sum effect is at once densely textured and appealingly direct, its experimental aspects only serving to communicate more vividly the bonds tested but also strengthened by great adversity. Dennis Harvey, Variety, 4 Dec. 2024 A little bit of adversity can be good for a team that’s won as many games as the Jets have early in the season. Murat Ates, The Athletic, 25 Nov. 2024 His unwavering positive attitude and determination to overcome challenges serve as an inspiration to his peers, demonstrating that true strength comes from embracing adversity with grace and perseverance. Caroline Beck, The Indianapolis Star, 2 Dec. 2024 And understanding that pleasure and pain relief are not necessarily joined at the hip might help the rest of us be less moralistic about adversity in everyday life. Richard A. Friedman, The Atlantic, 29 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for adversity 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adversity
Noun
  • The latest misfortunes came in a game that might have eliminated the Tide from the Playoff.
    Chris Vannini, The Athletic, 23 Nov. 2024
  • Alternatively, a crisis can suddenly arise from a firm’s financial misfortunes, market or supply chain disruptions, regulatory issues and other unexpected developments.
    Leen Kawas, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Then there are the hardships involved with paying for insurance to begin with.
    Aja Romano, Vox, 7 Dec. 2024
  • On Thursday, Anderson appeared at the hearing by video and said the litigations has created a hardship for her.
    Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 5 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Here is where the films of Mike Leigh, a master of human tragedy and everyday comedy, land on a scale of tragic-comic circumstances.
    Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 9 Dec. 2024
  • This monumental tragedy about today and tomorrow used its size and awe to burrow bold ideas into the multiplex.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • However, as with all companies operating in emerging markets, KBC has difficulties executing its projects quickly while navigating complex legal and regulatory aspects, Jamison noted.
    Amala Balakrishner, CNBC, 8 Dec. 2024
  • The cathedral's restoration and return to service after five years has been a success for Macron, who has had recent political difficulties.
    Nicole Werbeck, NPR, 7 Dec. 2024

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Thesaurus Entries Near adversity

Cite this Entry

“Adversity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adversity. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on adversity

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