as in gauntlet
a test of faith, patience, or strength
the hikers were finally rescued after a three-day ordeal in the wilderness
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ordeal
The ordeal at Keystone gave me an up-close view of the no-good, very bad 2025-26 ski season.
—
Frederick Dreier, Outside, 9 Jan. 2026
Mercedes Wells’ ordeal made national news, putting another spotlight on the wide disparities for Black pregnant women.
—Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026
The medical ordeals are traumatic and disgusting, but fascinating and full of the quirks of modern life.
—Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026
Mbolo Isac remains parked at the scene during the entire ordeal, the worker said.
—Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ordeal
Frederick Dreier, Outside, 9 Jan. 2026
Mercedes Wells’ ordeal made national news, putting another spotlight on the wide disparities for Black pregnant women.
—Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026
The medical ordeals are traumatic and disgusting, but fascinating and full of the quirks of modern life.
—Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026
Mbolo Isac remains parked at the scene during the entire ordeal, the worker said.
—Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ordeal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ordeal
Noun
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Adams had carefully shepherded it through an often-recalcitrant City Council and through the gauntlet of demands coming from both the real estate lobby and pro-housing advocates.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
1 Jan. 2026
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However, according to Sounwave, Lamar’s chief producer and longtime friend, GNX was in the works long before any gauntlets were thrown.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
30 Dec. 2025
Noun
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Jackson, who famously won an acquittal in the murder trial of Karen Read and represented disgraced film mogul Harvey Weinstein, did not explain his decision to withdraw from the case.—
Matt Gutman,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
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Dugan was suspended by the Wisconsin Supreme Court in April, but continued to collect her roughly $175,000 annual salary while awaiting trial.—
Michael Sinkewicz,
FOXNews.com,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Republicans have also launched a congressional investigation into the fire response.—
Brie Stimson,
FOXNews.com,
8 Jan. 2026
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Local fire and government authorities are notified prior to burn days and kept informed throughout prescribed fire operations.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
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After the unlikely duo cross paths in college — while sharing a car ride home to their small hometown of Linfield, Ohio — Poppy goes on to fulfill her dreams of working for a travel magazine in New York City, while Alex returns to his Ohio roots and begins teaching at Poppy's alma mater.—
Jordana Comiter,
PEOPLE,
10 Jan. 2026
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Calamondin oranges, a cross between a kumquat and mandarin, taste tart like lemons and limes and make a great substitute for them.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
10 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ordeal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ordeal. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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