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 Veen’s baseball upbringing featured practically no adversity. Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 13 Apr. 2025 Now even with a chance to still advance to the playoffs, the Heat faces even more adversity in the form of the toughest path to the playoffs among teams still in contention. Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 12 Apr. 2025 Rhea Ripley's journey in WWE leading up to WrestleMania 41 has been marked by both dominance and adversity. David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Apr. 2025 Your journey through rejection is ultimately a story of perseverance, a testament to your ability to transform adversity into opportunity. Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for adversity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adversity
Noun
  • Marking the start of the solar calendar, it’s known for its anything-goes water festivities: Participants armed with water guns, buckets, and hoses splash each other in a symbolic cleansing of sins and washing away of misfortunes that allow a fresh start in the new year.
    Lisa Wong Macabasco, Vogue, 15 Apr. 2025
  • But someone’s misfortune is always another bettor’s blessing.
    Vik Chokshi, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • That said, the market has become more uncertain over the last few months, and employers may use that to claim hardship and deny raises.
    Caroline Ceniza-Levine, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Aim to move past hardships and cultivate a different dynamic.
    Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Holland was attempting a routine landing when the tragedy occurred, and was not performing any stunts, Boggs said.
    Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2025
  • While King's career has been fruitful, she's also experienced tragedy in her personal life.
    EW Staff, EW.com, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Mixed Performance Metrics: While PepsiCo has seen modest revenue growth (averaging 5% over the past three years) and retains a moderate operating margin of 14%, the latest quarterly outcomes underscore the difficulties of reconciling volume reductions with pricing power in the current landscape.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • In March, three high-profile women streamers were stalked while streaming at the Santa Monica Pier, igniting a conversation about the dangers and difficulties of being so visible in a world increasingly dominated by misogyny.
    Alyssa Mercante, Rolling Stone, 25 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Adversity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adversity. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

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