Synonyms of ordeals

ordeals

noun

plural of ordeal

as in fires

a test of faith, patience, or strength

the hikers were finally rescued after a three-day ordeal in the wilderness

Synonyms & Similar Words

• fires
• gauntlets
• trials
• crosses
• crucibles
• challenges
• hardships
• initiations
• misfortunes
• grievances
• tribulations
• troubles
• privations
• tragedies
• vicissitudes
• griefs
• baptisms of fire
• woes
• misadventures
• adversities
• mishaps
• difficulties
• baptisms
• complications
• rigors
• afflictions
• inconveniences
• asperities
• discomforts
• mischances
• acid tests
• nuisances
• litmus tests
• annoyances

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of ordeals

Through their fantastical ordeals, the X-Men illustrate qualities that inspire viewers, young and old. — Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026

People who have been at this work longer, or have survived similar ordeals, can help a mentee see around corners. — Literary Hub, 30 June 2026

Meanwhile, Phillips said, victims are left to live with the impacts of the perpetrators’ actions — with the survivors in this case forced to continue to relive their ordeals as the case continues on to the Court of Appeal. — Chantal Da Silva, NBC news, 3 June 2026

And for that matter, how could adults accurately account for such ordeals? — Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 24 May 2026

But the responsibility to inform should not fall on the shoulders of the women who’ve survived these ordeals. — Tina Sturdevant, New York Times, 10 May 2026

Others have also turned their personal ordeals into stories of inspiration. — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 3 Apr. 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

Both women survived, but are still reeling from ordeals that have drawn national attention — in part, because they were captured on video and shared on social media. — CBS News, 3 Dec. 2025