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

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 The issue is not just love of the familiar, a pushback on losing preferred features or even nervousness prompted by Windows 11 upgrade mishaps. Zak Doffman, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2025 Lou Reed’s Growing Up in Public tour hadn’t been without the occasional mishap. Ana Leorne, SPIN, 31 Dec. 2024 Some of the stream's elements worked, but it was still plagued by technical mishaps. Kaycee Sloan, The Enquirer, 24 Dec. 2024 And there's a saying here in India - in a road mishap, the blame goes to whoever's got the more expensive vehicle. New Atlas, 24 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for mishap 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mishap
Noun
  • Local officials have increasingly encouraged residents to take public transit, bike and carpool in a bid to reduce traffic and the risk of accidents.
    Shawna Chen, Axios, 8 Jan. 2025
  • But all of that is thrown into chaos when Amy is in a car accident that leaves her with a traumatic brain injury.
    Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 8 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Yeager was one of the best defensive catchers in history who had the misfortune of being a direct contemporary of the best defensive catcher in history, Johnny Bench.
    Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2025
  • Even as the misfortune mounts, the 13-2 Lions are road favorites against the 6-9 San Francisco 49ers, who have endured a harrowing injury streak of their own.
    Steven Louis Goldstein, The Athletic, 30 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • That family tragedy at what seemed to be the end of his political career was a bookend to the one at its beginning, when his first wife and baby daughter, Naomi, were killed in a car crash.
    Susan Page, USA TODAY, 8 Jan. 2025
  • The tragedy is still under investigation in Argentina, where five people have been charged in connection with Payne's death, according to multiple outlets including the BBC.
    Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near mishap

Cite this Entry

“Mishap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mishap. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on mishap

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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