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 Through the highs and lows, though, what The Bear always understood really well is the allure of the crucible. — Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 25 June 2026 Each member derives her own realizations from this experience, with its dual crucibles of grindingly hard work and pop adulation. — Elizabeth Gulino, Allure, 25 June 2026 Now, 10 years to the day after the Brexit vote and with six prime ministers having been felled by economic and political turbulence, the country once again looks to a new leader — and back to the crucible that helped set it on this torrid journey. — Alexander Smith, NBC news, 23 June 2026 Matt Freese is the latest to be thrown into that crucible. — Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for crucible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crucible
  1. ordeal
  2. fire
  3. gauntlet
  4. trial
Noun
  • In a later video, the passenger who filmed the ordeal then goes to guest services to explain the issue and express her concerns.
    — Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026
  • The eruption unfolded in five phases over about 24 hours, a harrowing, cumulative ordeal for unsuspecting residents.
    — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
Definition of ordeal
Noun
  • The London-born forward formed one-third of the most prolific attack in European football last season alongside Kane and Colombian Luis Diaz, helping fire Bayern to the German title.
    — Tim Spiers, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • Before Monday’s maneuver, the Russian ship informed HMS Tyne – a British patrol vessel – of its intention to conduct live-fire activity, CNN understands.
    — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
Definition of fire
Noun
  • Rather than throwing down the gauntlet, gather information and approach the situation with an open mind.
    — Sherri Gordon, Parents, 21 July 2026
  • With nature’s molecule at the core, the drug candidate then faces the same gauntlet of clinical trials as any other, a process that often spans a decade or more.
    — Steve Midway, STAT, 16 July 2026
Definition of gauntlet
Noun
  • Ahead of the trial, the commonwealth also filed a motion to admit audio recordings of the 911 call Patrick Clancy made after returning home and discovering his family.
    — Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
  • He was called to testify as a witness at Rubiales’ criminal trial in February 2025, where prosecutors sought jail time over the kiss and alleged efforts to pressure Hermoso into downplaying it.
    — Sam Leveridge, Forbes.com, 20 July 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 25 Jul. 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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