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 The Stallions faced some adversity in Week 2 and trailed Chino Hills 14-3 in the first quarter and 14-10 at halftime. Michael Huntley, Oc Register, 11 Sep. 2025 But despite all the adversity, McCarthy turned the game on its head and helped lead three consecutive touchdown drives in the fourth quarter – throwing for two TDs and running in another – to complete a dramatic victory. Ben Morse, CNN Money, 9 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 For rookie guard Paige Bueckers, the outcome was another reminder of the process that comes with building through adversity, and her message afterward was clear. Grant Afseth, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for adversity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adversity
Noun
  • What horrible family misfortune has Ingelsby cooked up this time?
    Megan McCluskey, Time, 8 Sep. 2025
  • And yet the Dolphins have found a way to remain masters of mediocrity, prolonging the NFL’s longest playoff win drought with a combination of misfortune and missteps.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • National data show that Native students face disproportionate barriers in higher education, including financial hardship, geographic isolation, and cultural alienation at mainstream institutions.
    Marybeth Gasman, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Meanwhile, Keating faced her own share of hardship.
    Dakin Andone, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The statement further addressed the context of the tribute, comparing it to other moments of silence following tragedies.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Voters should be able to see, right away, who is funding their representatives, especially in the wake of tragedy.
    John J. Donohue, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • House Speaker Mike Johnson already faced difficulties getting legislation across the finish line with a razor thin GOP majority.
    Sudiksha Kochi, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Financial and legal difficulties have hit the hotel in recent months, including several foreclosure lawsuits.
    Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Adversity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adversity. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on adversity

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