mishap

noun

ˈmis-ˌhap How to pronounce mishap (audio)
Definition of mishapnext
1
as in accident
a chance and usually sudden event bringing loss or injury the usual mishaps of a family vacation

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in misfortune
bad luck or an example of this mishap followed wherever he went

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun mishap differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of mishap are adversity, mischance, and misfortune. While all these words mean "adverse fortune or an instance of this," mishap applies to an often trivial instance of bad luck.

the usual mishaps of a family vacation

When is it sensible to use adversity instead of mishap?

The words adversity and mishap are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, adversity applies to a state of grave or persistent misfortune.

had never experienced great adversity

When can mischance be used instead of mishap?

The meanings of mischance and mishap largely overlap; however, mischance applies especially to a situation involving no more than slight inconvenience or minor annoyance.

took the wrong road by mischance

In what contexts can misfortune take the place of mishap?

The synonyms misfortune and mishap are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

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 mishap The mishap comes at an awkwardly fitting moment for an industry that has spent years promising packages, takeout, and everyday essentials would eventually descend from the sky. — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026 In a TikTok posted after the mishap, Addie recounted the moment another passenger sat beside her and began chatting with her. — Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 17 Aug. 2026 Recent data show that Apaches have a higher number of recent mishaps than other helicopters in the Army inventory. — Luis Martinez, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026 But employees were already used to spectacular mishaps, fiery and otherwise. — Jesse Coburn, ProPublica, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mishap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mishap
  1. accident
  2. misfortune
  3. tragedy
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
Noun
  • But the scale of the tragedy is becoming clear, with social media filled with countless pleas for help – including from the Nepali diaspora overseas.
    — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Quite the tragedy because my brows are such a prominent part of my face.
    — Iman Balagam, Vogue, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of tragedy

Browse Nearby Words

mishandling
mishap
mishaps
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Cite this Entry

“Mishap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mishap. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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