Synonyms of gauntlet

gauntlet

noun

variants also gantlet

as in ordeal

a test of faith, patience, or strength

before being adopted, school textbooks must often run the gauntlet of several local and state committees

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ordeal
• fire
• trial
• cross
• crucible
• initiation
• challenge
• baptism of fire
• misfortune
• baptism
• adversity
• hardship
• tribulation
• grievance
• tragedy
• grief
• mishap
• woe
• trouble
• difficulty
• vicissitude
• misadventure
• acid test
• privation
• litmus test
• rigor
• discomfort
• inconvenience
• complication
• nuisance
• mischance
• affliction
• asperity
• annoyance

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of gauntlet

The National Mall seems to be wrapped in a variety of fencing, some of it in place for construction reasons, some of it to create a security gantlet for the July 4 celebration. — Matt Viser, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026

The operators who survive this structural gauntlet may find themselves on the other side of a very different landscape. — Peter Su, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026

Every detail feels intentional, from the intricate French lace to the removable lace gauntlets and dramatic overskirt. — Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 17 June 2026

To remove all defenses and lay down the gauntlet. — Brody Miller, New York Times, 17 June 2026

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