crucibles

noun

plural of crucible
as in ordeals
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 crucibles 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 At the time, there was a chance of that being Neuer’s final appearance in one of sport’s great crucibles, and players of his calibre deserve better endings. — Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026 Most leaders hide their crucibles. — Ed Brzychcy, Forbes.com, 20 Feb. 2026 Crises’ crucibles often forge potent alliances. — Jamie Holmes, Twin Cities, 22 Jan. 2026 At its best, Extra Geography is a wistful look at the crucibles of young adulthood, at two people forming and re-forming into shapes that may no longer be compatible with one another. — Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crucibles
  1. ordeals
  2. fires
  3. gauntlets
  4. trials
Noun
  • The two have remained united throughout the murder investigation and subsequent legal ordeals regarding Kohberger.
    — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Through their fantastical ordeals, the X-Men illustrate qualities that inspire viewers, young and old.
    — Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
Definition of ordeals
Noun
  • Investigators said cellular data showed that one of Brady's devices was either at the scene of the fires or in the area.
    — Madeline Bartos, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Forest and peat fires are an annual problem in Indonesia, which strains relations with neighboring countries.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of fires
Noun
  • Perhaps in writing it, Salinger was trying to negotiate whether his remarkable survival through some of the war’s worst gauntlets could be chalked up to dumb luck, or divine intervention.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Every detail feels intentional, from the intricate French lace to the removable lace gauntlets and dramatic overskirt.
    — Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 17 June 2026
Definition of gauntlets
Noun
  • But Mangione’s defense lost arguments to exclude the gun and his writings from being used at the trials after both judges found the search of his backpack that produced that evidence was legal.
    — Hannah Rabinowitz, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Deal of the Week Swiss biotech Vaderis Therapeutics raised $152 million from Goldman Sachs Alternatives and TCGX, among others, to run late-stage trials on its potential therapy for a rare bleeding disorder.
    — Amy Feldman, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of trials

Browse Nearby Words

crucible
crucibles
crucified
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Cite this Entry

“Crucibles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crucibles. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on crucibles

Nglish: Translation of crucibles for Spanish Speakers

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