MISHAP Synonyms: 66 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

mishap

noun

ˈmis-ˌhap

Definition of mishap next

as in accident

a chance and usually sudden event bringing loss or injury the usual mishaps of a family vacation

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in misfortune

bad luck or an example of this mishap followed wherever he went

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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

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 mishap To prevent such a mishap, snag one of these Loveledi portable power banks as a stocking stuffer. —

Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 10 Dec. 2024 The leather lining is easy to clean—any wet washcloth will whisk away any trace of a makeup mishap—and the exterior Argentinian leather is available in 16 tempting shades. —

Kiana Murden, Vogue, 6 Dec. 2024 The Alabama offense did the defense no favors with four turnovers, but the defense allowed just six points from those mishaps. —

Kennington Smith Iii, The Athletic, 1 Dec. 2024 Still, no harm seen from that mishap as far as last weekend’s ticket sales go. —

Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 25 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for mishap

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mishap

Noun

The fact Norway has the most EVs per capita of any country is not an accident.

Sverre Alvik, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
Meanwhile, investigators have not yet identified the direct cause of the massive fire at Notre Dame in April 2019, though many believe the blaze was ignited by accident.

Alexandra Banner, CNN, 9 Dec. 2024