as in gauntlet
a test of faith, patience, or strength
the hikers were finally rescued after a three-day ordeal in the wilderness
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ordeal
The footage published by The Associated Press showing 18-day-old Juan David and his mother, Dayana Patino, being saved from the rubble after their 32-hour ordeal in the northern coastal region of La Guaira was shared around the world this week.
—
Chantal Da Silva,
NBC news,
30 June 2026
The family’s ordeal worsened Sunday when her brother-in-law found the body of his mother, Rosa María Díaz de Rodríguez, among a pile of corpses.
—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
29 June 2026
The entire ordeal has left him feeling bitter about FIFA and secondary resale markets.
—
Juliana Kim,
NPR,
26 June 2026
George was forced to strip naked in front of male officers, with no female officers present, according DiD, and broke down in tears when telling her family of the ordeal.
—
Frank Andrews,
CBS News,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for ordeal
Chantal Da Silva,
NBC news,
30 June 2026
The family’s ordeal worsened Sunday when her brother-in-law found the body of his mother, Rosa María Díaz de Rodríguez, among a pile of corpses.
—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
29 June 2026
The entire ordeal has left him feeling bitter about FIFA and secondary resale markets.
—
Juliana Kim,
NPR,
26 June 2026
George was forced to strip naked in front of male officers, with no female officers present, according DiD, and broke down in tears when telling her family of the ordeal.
—
Frank Andrews,
CBS News,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for ordeal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ordeal
Noun
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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.
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The operators who survive this structural gauntlet may find themselves on the other side of a very different landscape.
Noun
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Twice before in the past year, a judge has ordered Blake Rakela to remain ineligible for bail pending trial.
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Guo was convicted of nine of 12 criminal charges during a seven-week trial that prosecutors said showcased his deception of thousands of investors in bogus deals that enabled Guo’s lavish lifestyle.
Noun
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Fire departments have also partnered with the APA to hand out buckets so consumer fireworks users can douse used fireworks, reducing the risk of accidental fires.
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Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches.
Noun
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After a cross into the box, Lo Celso was ahead of the last line of defense before firing it into the net for, technically, the third time tonight.
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After a corner kick and a nice cross, Sanchez flicked the ball in with his head as Colombian fans erupted.
Cite this Entry
“Ordeal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ordeal. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
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