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 Double-amputee Olympian Oscar Pistorius went from being seen at the 2012 London Games as a model of overcoming adversity to a place of infamy after the South African sprinter was convicted of killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in 2015. Michael Loria, USA TODAY, 7 Mar. 2025 From Zoe’s point of view, Split Fiction is an uplifting tale about making the most of each day in the face of adversity and accepting loss. Kyle Wilson, Rolling Stone, 4 Mar. 2025 Against all odds, though, Erika has turned it into a story of overcoming adversity and getting her life back. Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 4 Mar. 2025 Optimism is built through experience, and optimistic leaders create a culture of resilience and success in the face of adversity. Thomas Bostick, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for adversity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adversity
Noun
  • Both versions have the great misfortune of spending time with her father, Jame Eagan (Michael Siberry) who ratchets up the creepy factor to eleven.
    Erik Kain, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Tesla's Monday misfortunes come as Musk faces a slew of other hurdles, both as the head of SpaceX and Tesla and the head of DOGE.
    Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Trump did not rule out the possibility of economic hardship, arguing that the economy and the U.S. population will have to adjust to the changes being made.
    Rebecca Schneid, TIME, 9 Mar. 2025
  • One of the main indicators of the increasing hardship was the price of eggs, which hit an all-time high shortly after Trump's inauguration in January.
    William Lambers, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • In the first section of the book, Franklin repeatedly brings historical analysis, primary sources and Anne Frank’s writing into juxtaposition with each other in a way that both illuminates Anne Frank as an individual and the larger tragedy of the Holocaust.
    John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 8 Mar. 2025
  • The case was the first to establish a link between toxic waste in the atmosphere and birth defects, and the show follows the story of four mothers dealing with the tragedy.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Special Education: Most Vulnerable Students Affected Special education represents the most severe shortage area, with 98% of school districts reporting difficulty filling these positions.
    Scott White, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
  • What's better, most of the best drip coffee machines on this list have a lower difficulty rating than your toaster oven.
    Matthew Korfhage, WIRED, 7 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on adversity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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