as in ordeals
a test of faith, patience, or strength
soldiers who had withstood the crucible of war
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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
Noun
-
People who have been at this work longer, or have survived similar ordeals, can help a mentee see around corners.
-
Meanwhile, Phillips said, victims are left to live with the impacts of the perpetrators’ actions — with the survivors in this case forced to continue to relive their ordeals as the case continues on to the Court of Appeal.
Noun
-
Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches.
-
Fewer fireworks, fewer fires 🎆 🔥 Leave the pyrotechnics to the professionals.
Noun
-
Every detail feels intentional, from the intricate French lace to the removable lace gauntlets and dramatic overskirt.
-
Post-punk bands face few gauntlets as arduous as the slow song, and Landowner challenge themselves to traverse three of them.
Noun
-
The company currently has cancer therapies in mid and late-stage trials targeting melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, and bladder cancer.
-
But a developer would need to make do with no balconies, no pool and the architectural confines that come with a stone building that was designed for trials, not open-concept kitchens and heated bathroom floors.
Cite this Entry
“Crucibles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crucibles. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
