MISCHANCE Synonyms: 66 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'mischance' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of mischance are adversity , misfortune , and mishap . While all these words mean "adverse fortune or an instance of this," mischance applies especially to a situation involving no more than slight inconvenience or minor annoyance. // took the wrong road by mischance

Q: When is 'adversity' a more appropriate choice than 'mischance'?

The meanings of adversity and mischance largely overlap; however, adversity applies to a state of grave or persistent misfortune. // had never experienced great adversity

Q: In what contexts can 'misfortune' take the place of 'mischance'?

In some situations, the words misfortune and mischance are roughly equivalent. 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

Q: When could 'mishap' be used to replace 'mischance'?

The words mishap and mischance are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mishap applies to an often trivial instance of bad luck. // the usual mishaps of a family vacation

mischance

noun

ˌmis-ˈchan(t)s

Definition of mischance

as in accident

a chance and usually sudden event bringing loss or injury the smallest mischance could spell disaster for our plan

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in misfortune

bad luck or an example of this by mischance she took a wrong turn and became hopelessly lost in the city

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the noun mischance differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of mischance are adversity, misfortune, and mishap. While all these words mean "adverse fortune or an instance of this," mischance applies especially to a situation involving no more than slight inconvenience or minor annoyance.

took the wrong road by mischance

When is adversity a more appropriate choice than mischance?

The meanings of adversity and mischance largely overlap; however, adversity applies to a state of grave or persistent misfortune.

had never experienced great adversity

In what contexts can misfortune take the place of mischance?

In some situations, the words misfortune and mischance are roughly equivalent. 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 could mishap be used to replace mischance?

The words mishap and mischance are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 mischance Through mischance and rebel defiance, many of these same redcoats had failed to capture the fortress eight months earlier, despite standing at the gates. — / Cbs News, CBS News, 13 June 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mischance

Noun

Near-death experiences are frequently triggered by a life-threatening event, such as cardiac arrest, traumatic brain injury or a car accident.

— Michael Collins, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026
The Unicorn Gundam wasn’t chosen by accident either; like the Nu Gundam, the Unicorn Gundam is one of the most popular designs in terms of model kit and toy sales.

— Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of accident

Noun

Poliński said Zosia would likely have been blamed for misfortunes such as disease and famine that often plagued the region in the 17th century, which people sometimes attributed to supernatural activity by the dead.

— Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
And Smith has endured plenty of misfortune on the road while getting walked off in four ballparks this season.

— Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of misfortune

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miscellany

mischance

mischances

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“Mischance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mischance. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of mischance

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