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 That adversity has done little to slow head coach Jack Woods’ veteran group, who won eight straight before falling to Watertown on Friday. Matt Feld, Boston Herald, 25 Jan. 2025 Resilient leaders connect their actions to their values and goals, motivating themselves and their teams through adversity. Gina Martin, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025 Despite the adversity and facing a tough Rams defense, the Eagles got the win and are headed for the NFC Championship. Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025 Given such adversity, 19-22 is a solid step forward for a proud organization that has missed the playoffs the previous five seasons after an NBA record 22 consecutive playoff appearances, from 1998 through 2019, all under Popovich. Mike Monroe, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for adversity 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adversity
Noun
  • Malen’s misfortune, Villa explain, simply came down to signing too many players in the winter window.
    Jacob Tanswell, The Athletic, 8 Feb. 2025
  • Meta and Google are not the only companies trying to capitalize on TikTok’s potential misfortune.
    Mike Isaac, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Yet, amid this hardship, we have also been inspired by the incredible generosity of our members – opening their homes, providing resources, and rallying together in support.
    Carolyn Giardina, Variety, 7 Feb. 2025
  • But everyone seems ready for the journey to begin after saying goodbye to Mark Williams, Cody Martin, and Vasa Micić, and hello to the new guys, including Elfrid Payton, who was signed to a 10-day contract using a hardship exception granted by the NBA, league sources told The Observer.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 7 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • In many ways, Payne’s life and death have the familiar contours of a pop tragedy: a young artist, whose talents were often at odds with his demons, experiencing the apex of stardom as well as its depths.
    Federico Fahsbender, Rolling Stone, 11 Feb. 2025
  • That applies, too, to the unusual case of the Jews, scattered to the winds and reconvening 2,000 years (and one extraordinary tragedy) later in Israel.
    Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Compulsion Games wants players to be fully immersed in this world, in whatever way suits their fancy, whether that’s ramping up the difficulty or toggling invincibility on.
    Alyssa Mercante, Rolling Stone, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by a toxin that attacks the body's nerves and causes difficulty breathing, muscle paralysis and even death, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
    Kate Gibson, CBS News, 11 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near adversity

Cite this Entry

“Adversity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adversity. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on adversity

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