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crucible

noun

ˈkrü-sə-bəl How to pronounce crucible (audio)
Definition of cruciblenext
as in ordeal
a test of faith, patience, or strength soldiers who had withstood the crucible of war

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 crucible On the other hand, Burke was thrown directly into the cultural crucible. — Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 9 Aug. 2026 The standard venture model assumes that the best companies attract the most competition, and that winners emerge from that crucible. — Alex Lazarow, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 Smith was elite from day one, forged in the crucible of South Florida high school football. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2026 The kitchen wounds him, heals him, and becomes his crucible of faith. — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for crucible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crucible
  1. ordeal
  2. fire
  3. gauntlet
  4. trial
Noun
  • The ordeal began when 56-year-old Hawkins placed a mattress against the door of the home to prevent the woman from leaving, officials said.
    — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 21 Sep. 2026
  • The ordeal began Sunday after authorities said Spencer threatened people with a gun, rammed a sheriff’s patrol vehicle and fled into the forest.
    — Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of ordeal
Noun
  • Evolution When asked about the greatest innovation of humans, people will often say language or fire.
    — Hannah Little, Scientific American, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Ukraine fires over 1,000 drones at Russia The election’s last day came against a backdrop of a major wave of Ukrainian attacks.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of fire
Noun
  • That’s definitely true right now for the Trojans, who face a gauntlet of a schedule in the coming weeks after Oregon.
    — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026
  • After running the gauntlet of crash barriers and hordes of fans, guests were treated to salty French fries and greasy burgers, with gin tonics and martinis to quench their thirst.
    — Mary Wenthur, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of gauntlet
Noun
  • In truly horrific news, a Frankfort mom is accused of killing her 2-year-old son after allegedly following the trial of Lindsay Clancy with great interest.
    — Hilary Gowins, Chicago Tribune, 26 Sep. 2026
  • The woman accused of keeping him captive, 58-year-old Kimberly Sullivan, is expected to head to trial after turning down two plea deals during a hearing in Waterbury Superior Court earlier this month.
    — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of trial

Browse Nearby Words

crucial
crucible
crucibles
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Cite this Entry

“Crucible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crucible. Accessed 27 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on crucible

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about crucible

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