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 Thompson, then 23, and Rocco James Surace, then 30, beat Ivester with chains, burned her with cigarettes and assaulted her with a chair leg during the horrific ordeal inside the Sunny Isles Motel at 16375 Biscayne Blvd. — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 18 Sep. 2026 Despite the ordeal, Wiffen can’t wait to get back in the sky. — Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 14 Sep. 2026 Behind the ordeal is an enigmatic figure called M, orchestrating an occult ritual designed to unlock thirteen gates into the ethereal plane. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026 As part of their ordeal, Ben and his girls have been hopping into their 2015 Kia Sedona every couple weeks to drive the 265 miles from Otis for lengthy visits. — Kansas City Star, 11 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ordeal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ordeal

Noun

That’s definitely true right now for the Trojans, who face a gauntlet of a schedule in the coming weeks after Oregon.

— Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026
After running the gauntlet of crash barriers and hordes of fans, guests were treated to salty French fries and greasy burgers, with gin tonics and martinis to quench their thirst.

— Mary Wenthur, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of gauntlet

Noun

In truly horrific news, a Frankfort mom is accused of killing her 2-year-old son after allegedly following the trial of Lindsay Clancy with great interest.

— Hilary Gowins, Chicago Tribune, 26 Sep. 2026
The woman accused of keeping him captive, 58-year-old Kimberly Sullivan, is expected to head to trial after turning down two plea deals during a hearing in Waterbury Superior Court earlier this month.

— Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of trial

Noun

Evolution When asked about the greatest innovation of humans, people will often say language or fire.

— Hannah Little, Scientific American, 20 Sep. 2026
Ukraine fires over 1,000 drones at Russia The election’s last day came against a backdrop of a major wave of Ukrainian attacks.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of fire

Noun

The fast-acting aluminum sulfate formula works faster than traditional styptic pencils and every stick is single-use and disposable for maximum hygiene — no cross-contamination, ever.

— ABC News, ABC News, 19 Sep. 2026
Prevent cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and storing raw meat, poultry, and seafood on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator.

— Sarah Anzlovar, Verywell Health, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of cross

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ordains

ordeal

ordeals

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

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Synonyms of ordeal

noun

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