vicissitude

noun

Definition of vicissitudenext
as in ordeal
a negative event or circumstance that is common to a particular setting or situation and is usually beyond one's control The vicissitudes of medical school proved too much for the anxious student.

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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 vicissitude The family drama is underpinned by the vicissitudes inherent in moviemaking. — Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 19 Jan. 2026 Whatever its reputation, the OIGC is still subject to the vicissitudes of other arts organizations. — Andrew Gilbert, Mercury News, 1 Dec. 2025 Throughout this dense and always engrossing survey of Lean’s career in film, Thompson threads the vicissitudes of the director’s personal life, spanning six wives and various other relationships and flings. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 27 May 2026 The Kino Babylon, opened in 1929 and still going strong despite vicissitudes, is an appropriate venue for Guadalajara’s 40th anniversary showcase. — John Hopewell, Variety, 31 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vicissitude
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vicissitude
  1. ordeal
  2. gauntlet
  3. misfortune
  4. privation
Noun
  • According to the marine science center, Wilbur did not have identification tags, and, following the stressful ordeal, officials decided not to tag her.
    — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026
  • Engelmayer said Weinstein's medical ordeal was exacerbated by a case of pneumonia.
    — Edward Segarra, USA Today, 1 July 2026
Definition of ordeal
Noun
  • The National Mall seems to be wrapped in a variety of fencing, some of it in place for construction reasons, some of it to create a security gantlet for the July 4 celebration.
    — Matt Viser, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026
  • The operators who survive this structural gauntlet may find themselves on the other side of a very different landscape.
    — Peter Su, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026
Definition of gauntlet
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
  • Still, the mesh grids spreading across Haiti's countryside prove that the country's energy story may transcend the privation.
    — Ken Silverstein, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • These are people who still carry within them memories of war, occupation, and stretches of extreme privation.
    — Thomas Chatterton Williams, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026
Definition of privation

Browse Nearby Words

viciousness
vicissitude
vicissitudes
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“Vicissitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vicissitude. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on vicissitude

Nglish: Translation of vicissitude for Spanish Speakers

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