Thesaurus results for ORDEAL

ordeal

noun

ȯr-ˈdē(-ə)l

Definition of ordeal

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

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 ordeal Gilbert has supported her husband through the ordeal, showing up to his court appearances and writing letters of support. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 16 July 2026 Spieth immediately went to Kuchar, explaining the entire ordeal. — Brody Miller, New York Times, 14 July 2026 Jimenez said Princess Cruises kept passengers informed throughout the ordeal, providing hourly updates and making counseling services available onboard. — Steven Yablonski, CBS News, 13 July 2026 To be able to feel and touch the community of Cologne, and this person who suffered that ordeal and overcame it — and then managed to carry out the courage of her convictions with Ukrainian refugees. — Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 11 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for ordeal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ordeal

Noun

Rather than throwing down the gauntlet, gather information and approach the situation with an open mind.

— Sherri Gordon, Parents, 21 July 2026
With nature’s molecule at the core, the drug candidate then faces the same gauntlet of clinical trials as any other, a process that often spans a decade or more.

— Steve Midway, STAT, 16 July 2026

Definition of gauntlet

Noun

Ahead of the trial, the commonwealth also filed a motion to admit audio recordings of the 911 call Patrick Clancy made after returning home and discovering his family.

— Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
He was called to testify as a witness at Rubiales’ criminal trial in February 2025, where prosecutors sought jail time over the kiss and alleged efforts to pressure Hermoso into downplaying it.

— Sam Leveridge, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

Definition of trial

Noun

The London-born forward formed one-third of the most prolific attack in European football last season alongside Kane and Colombian Luis Diaz, helping fire Bayern to the German title.

— Tim Spiers, New York Times, 21 July 2026
Before Monday’s maneuver, the Russian ship informed HMS Tyne – a British patrol vessel – of its intention to conduct live-fire activity, CNN understands.

— Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 21 July 2026

Definition of fire

Noun

The painful memory of the last citywide revaluation in 2021 is still fresh, with a broad cross-section of homeowners experiencing real estate tax bill sticker shock as residential property values soared in the immediate aftermath of the pandemic.

— Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2026
The White man with the wooden cross was Joseph Colt Hamrick, a roofer in Macon, Georgia, and a father of two children.

— John Blake, CNN Money, 19 July 2026

Definition of cross

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ordeal

ordeals

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“Ordeal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ordeal. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of ordeal

noun

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