Thesaurus results for ORDEAL

ordeal

noun

ȯr-ˈdē(-ə)l

Definition of ordeal

as in gauntlet

a test of faith, patience, or strength the hikers were finally rescued after a three-day ordeal in the wilderness

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 ordeal The victim ran away screaming for help, injuring her leg during the ordeal, Smith said. — Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026 But the ordeal was frightening and bewildering for Cliffel, who still didn't know what had caused her behavior. — Deborah Becker, NPR, 16 Aug. 2026 As far as Davis was told, once the ordeal was handled, the player simply asked for a different helmet and returned to practice. — Devon Henderson, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2026 Despite his ordeal, Ralph has won over the clinic staff with his gentle personality. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ordeal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ordeal

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

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

Edelman, who perfectly timed his run, slipped between a pair of defenders for a sliding first-touch goal, off a cross played by Conrad Wallem, from the center of the penalty box.

— ABC News, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026
The Mexican international rushed onto a cross that forced Thorns goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold off her line to make a save, but the ball bounced off Ovalle and over the end line to level the score.

— Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of cross

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ordains

ordeal

ordeals

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“Ordeal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ordeal. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of ordeal

noun

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