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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 Forged in crucibles of traumatic childhoods and unthinkable loss, both Batman and Alice seek to right wrongs that the criminal justice system won’t touch. — Erin Qualey, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026 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 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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