as in ordeal
a test of faith, patience, or strength
soldiers who had withstood the crucible of war
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Recent Examples of crucible
Parker’s gigs at ETA became a crucible for younger players.
—
Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 30 Apr. 2026
Michael Owens / Getty Images Eli's journey to becoming Pittsburgh's newest favorite hometown kid, however, started as a Mount Lebanon Blue Devil on the gridiron, but was forged in the academic, physical, and mental crucible of the United States Naval Academy.
—Ross Guidotti, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026
Vietnam of course was the crucible of my generation, and the influence of that war led me to write about two wars of the past, WWII, and the Civil War.
—Literary Hub, 21 Apr. 2026
Founded in the 10th century, this complex of churches was a crucible of wisdom for calligraphers, philosophers, and illuminators.
—Marlise Kast-Myers, Boston Herald, 12 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for crucible
Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 30 Apr. 2026
Michael Owens / Getty Images Eli's journey to becoming Pittsburgh's newest favorite hometown kid, however, started as a Mount Lebanon Blue Devil on the gridiron, but was forged in the academic, physical, and mental crucible of the United States Naval Academy.
—Ross Guidotti, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026
Vietnam of course was the crucible of my generation, and the influence of that war led me to write about two wars of the past, WWII, and the Civil War.
—Literary Hub, 21 Apr. 2026
Founded in the 10th century, this complex of churches was a crucible of wisdom for calligraphers, philosophers, and illuminators.
—Marlise Kast-Myers, Boston Herald, 12 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for crucible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crucible
Noun
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Manker said the ordeal left her family shaken.—
Christina Coulter,
PEOPLE,
13 May 2026
-
The Hondius was now in a different kind of storm—an ordeal reminiscent of the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, with passengers mysteriously falling ill, health workers wearing hazmat suits, and governments imposing quarantines.—
Akash Kapur,
New Yorker,
12 May 2026
Noun
-
Twelve people were injured in the fire, five of whom were taken to hospitals for treatment, according to an airport spokesperson.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
13 May 2026
-
The vehicle then caught fire, but firefighters were able to put out the flames.—
Christa Swanson,
CBS News,
12 May 2026
Noun
-
Anyone who wins it will have survived a gauntlet of top teams and top pitchers.—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
11 May 2026
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The first is that the governor is not the king; nearly all major initiatives require the Legislature’s assent and many must also survive a regulatory gauntlet.—
U T Editorial Board,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
After a lengthy trial, he was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison.—
Richard Winton,
Los Angeles Times,
10 May 2026
-
They are generally barred in federal criminal trials.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
10 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Crucible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crucible. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
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