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 The White House has repeatedly defended the officials involved in the mishap. Elizabeth Crisp, The Hill, 26 Mar. 2025 The mishap happened Saturday afternoon on United Flight 198 from Los Angeles International Airport to Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Minyvonne Burke, NBC News, 25 Mar. 2025 Running third behind Bubba Wallace and Larson after a mishap in the pits, Blaney’s engine blew up coming out of Turn 4. David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 24 Mar. 2025 The late-night comedy show also joked about the mishap during the Weekend Update segement. Nicholas Rice, People.com, 30 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mishap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mishap
Noun
  • Lacy already was facing criminal charges stemming from a fatal car accident in Louisiana last December that had clouded his NFL prospects.
    CBS News, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2025
  • In January, Lacy was charged with negligent homicide, felony hit-and-run and reckless operation of a vehicle after police said Lacy caused a December 17 automobile accident in Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, that killed 78-year-old Herman Hall and injured two other people.
    Wayne Sterling, CNN Money, 13 Apr. 2025
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
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on mishap

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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