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 His new life was an intense crucible of monastic discipline, complex logic, and rote memorization. — Charlie Campbell, Time, 9 July 2026 Only time will tell how many new soccer fans were forged from the crucible of this World Cup, but the TV and streaming deliveries have never been higher. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 8 July 2026 England is a contender with mettle to prove, and facing Mexico at Estadio Azteca is a crucible. — Phil Hay, New York Times, 4 July 2026 The moral life, writes Murdoch, is not about self-mastery in the crucible of moral struggle. — Meghan O’Gieblyn, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for crucible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crucible
  1. ordeal
  2. fire
  3. gauntlet
  4. trial
Noun
  • Hushcha and Novak now plan to turn part of the ordeal into an exhibition.
    — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Parents, siblings and upperclassmen volunteers, if the school offers them, can turn a three-hour ordeal into a 90-minute one.
    — Lauren Schuster, Kansas City Star, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of ordeal
Noun
  • Since 1990 people have gathered from across the country and around the world in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert for the annual celebration of fire, free-thinking and communal living called Burning Man.
    — Felicia Feaster, AJC.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The fire resulted in the loss of Smothermon's other grandson, two dogs and dozens of guinea pigs.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of fire
Noun
  • That is, when incoming threats survive the gauntlet of longer-range layered countermeasures, this final line of defense must hold.
    — David Szondy August 19, New Atlas, 20 Aug. 2026
  • And this season, FSU has a gauntlet of a schedule that could hinder its results, and many believe could put Norvell’s job in jeopardy.
    — Andre C. Fernandez, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of gauntlet
Noun
  • Despite her openness about those trials, many still wonder, in the aftermath of her death, how yet another gifted actor who grew up in the limelight could have their story cut so short.
    — Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Conservative filmmaker Dinesh D’Souza has settled a defamation lawsuit filed by a Gwinnett County man in 2022, avoiding a trial that was set to begin Monday in federal court in Atlanta.
    — Caleb Groves, AJC.com, 18 Aug. 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 23 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on crucible

Nglish: Translation of crucible for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about crucible

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