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 And all your own best privacy and security practices can’t prevent exposure of your personal details when a security mishap at some random company halfway around the world suffers a data breach. — Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 24 June 2026 The White House did not respond to Entertainment Weekly's request for comment regarding Thursday's technical mishap. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 2 July 2026 Across 15 tracks, the rapper and producer get to work making their first proper body of work together as memorable as expected, delving into relationship mishaps, selfish tendencies, and the absurdist comedy that is real life. — Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 25 June 2026 Not the only mishap at JFK on Monday On Monday afternoon, a helicopter pilot reported seeing a remote control airplane fly near his aircraft. — Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for mishap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mishap
  1. accident
  2. misfortune
  3. tragedy
Noun
  • Derived from a Central African shrub, the drug's ability to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings were uncovered by accident, when Howard Lotsof, a 19-year old addicted to heroin, tried ibogaine out of curiosity in 1962.
    — Gavin Escott, USA Today, 6 July 2026
  • Since 2023, state regulators have issued 6,928 citations, including 140 for abuse and neglect by staff, 254 for accident hazards, and 257 for failing to control infections, according to state records.
    — Bruce Finley, Denver Post, 5 July 2026
Definition of accident
Noun
  • For some reason, the Lions have long been plagued by misfortune on their defense, especially in the secondary.
    — Bob Wojnowski, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 June 2026
  • There’s Kimi Antonelli’s sudden rise, which so far seems to be one for the ages, while George Russell’s run of misfortune is certainly captivating.
    — Alex Kalinauckas, New York Times, 23 June 2026
Definition of misfortune
Noun
  • During the June 23 meeting, residents urged city officials to keep funding the team to prevent future tragedies.
    — Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 2 July 2026
  • Here are the most significant developments since the tragedy occurred.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 2 July 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 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on mishap

Nglish: Translation of mishap for Spanish Speakers

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