1
as in misfortunes
bad luck or an example of this
many people came face-to-face with life-altering adversity when the stock market crashed
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in hardships
something that is a cause for suffering or special effort especially in the attainment of a goal
some overcame all the adversities of the Great Depression and rebuilt their fortunes
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of adversities
The characters on this list go to war — whether real or imaginary — with their circumstances and find a way to turn their adversities into their advantage.
—
Chris Snellgrove, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Jan. 2026
Lately a nun, middle-aged Nora Breen moves into a boarding house in a seaside village, slowly healing from the adversities of World War II.
—The Know, Denver Post, 30 Nov. 2025
Each track weaves together themes of resilience and triumph, forging a powerful connection with listeners who have faced their own adversities.
—Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 17 Oct. 2025
Sgarbossa makes sure to refer to the man himself, Pierre Balmain, and his resilience to adversities during tumultuous times, able to uplift women through fashion.
—Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
But his rendition of the history of the Axis of Resistance—from its birth out of necessity, to its success, to its present adversities—is largely accurate.
—Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 2 Sep. 2025
And there's also, of course, the ability to overcome the adversities life throws our way, which is often where the legend's stuff lies.
—Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Aug. 2025
These social adversities could range from violence in the community to insecure housing.
—Malaika Jabali, Essence, 10 Mar. 2025
Olivia, 12, faces family eviction, depression and finds a new community to rebuild her life and overcome adversities.
—Jamie Lang, Variety, 14 Feb. 2025
Chris Snellgrove, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Jan. 2026
Lately a nun, middle-aged Nora Breen moves into a boarding house in a seaside village, slowly healing from the adversities of World War II.
—The Know, Denver Post, 30 Nov. 2025
Each track weaves together themes of resilience and triumph, forging a powerful connection with listeners who have faced their own adversities.
—Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 17 Oct. 2025
Sgarbossa makes sure to refer to the man himself, Pierre Balmain, and his resilience to adversities during tumultuous times, able to uplift women through fashion.
—Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
But his rendition of the history of the Axis of Resistance—from its birth out of necessity, to its success, to its present adversities—is largely accurate.
—Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 2 Sep. 2025
And there's also, of course, the ability to overcome the adversities life throws our way, which is often where the legend's stuff lies.
—Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Aug. 2025
These social adversities could range from violence in the community to insecure housing.
—Malaika Jabali, Essence, 10 Mar. 2025
Olivia, 12, faces family eviction, depression and finds a new community to rebuild her life and overcome adversities.
—Jamie Lang, Variety, 14 Feb. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adversities
Noun
-
Once these people are already profiting off their own peccadillos and escalating misfortunes, why shouldn’t HBO?—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Some of these myths include a home facing south will bring financial and health problems and misfortunes to the occupants—however, many Vastu sources also say a south-facing home can be auspicious if done right.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The hardships sparked mass emigration and economic collapse, leaving an even deeper mark — one that still surfaces in quiet dinners with strangers like us.—
Marlise Kast-Myers,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Feb. 2026
-
The hardships awaiting these Palestinians in a devastated homeland may outweigh the trials of their journey.—
Oren Liebermann,
CNN Money,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Ensuring safe separation between aircraft is vital to preventing tragedies like the collision over the Potomac River, and reports of serious safety concerns from airline pilots paint a troubling picture of safety over Burbank in particular.—
Marc Scribner,
Oc Register,
8 Feb. 2026
-
After many tragedies, the UK’s National Health Service is doing precisely the opposite.—
Betsy McCaughey,
Boston Herald,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Just as enterprising librarians and archivists met the difficulties of their day with novel solutions, now a new generation looked for ways to adapt to the overflow.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
9 Feb. 2026
-
On Friday, Hoda Kotb, who co-anchored TODAY with Savannah from 2017 until January 2025, returned to the show to talk about the worry the team feels for their friend, and all the times Savannah has been there for them while facing their own difficulties.—
Kase Wickman,
Vanity Fair,
7 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Adversities.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adversities. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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