Synonyms of testing

testing 1 of 2

adjective

ˈte-stiŋ 

as in challenging

requiring considerable physical or mental effort

beginning rock climbers should choose a less testing route to the summit

Synonyms & Similar Words

• challenging
• difficult
• rigorous
• tough
• demanding
• hard
• complicated
• formidable
• heavy
• rough
• rugged
• exacting
• arduous
• killer
• effortful
• severe
• exhausting
• strenuous
• grueling
• laborious
• intricate
• sweaty
• complex
• uphill
• tall
• painful
• backbreaking
• murderous
• pick-and-shovel
• problematic
• serious
• toilsome
• herculean
• involved
• stiff
• annoying
• trying
• elusive
• tricky
• hellacious
• bruising
• abstract
• moiling
• stressful
• stubborn
• troublesome
• Augean
• strict
• brutal
• stringent
• onerous
• labored
• abstruse
• oppressive
• tight
• thorny
• grim
• hairy
• opaque
• recondite
• insoluble
• burdensome
• irksome
• ticklish
• taxing
• bothersome
• knotty
• spiny
• distressing
• vexatious
• cruel
• grievous
• inhuman

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• light
• simple
• easy
• soft
• cheap
• clear
• elementary
• effortless
• mindless
• facile
• achievable
• undemanding
• uncomplicated
• manageable
• doable
• smooth
• gentle
• comforting
• soothing
• relaxed
• painless
• accessible
• friendly
• user-friendly
• idiotproof

testing

2 of 2

verb

present participle of test

1

as in sampling

to put (something) to a test

please test this sample for the presence of lead

Synonyms & Similar Words

• sampling
• examining
• trying (out)
• exploring
• investigating
• researching
• studying
• checking (out)
• experimenting (with)
• retesting
• feeling (out)
• resampling

2

as in trying

to subject (a personal quality or faculty) to often excessive stress

all of these unnecessary questions are testing my patience

Synonyms & Similar Words

• trying
• stretching
• pushing
• straining
• getting (to)
• taxing
• bothering
• annoying
• irritating
• demanding
• exacting
• pressuring
• harassing
• aggravating
• gnawing (at)
• pressing
• pestering
• exasperating
• importuning
• harrying
• grating
• vexing
• agitating
• hassling
• paining
• spiting
• riling
• nettling
• galling
• peeving
• irking

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of testing

Adjective

So a review of the principles and record of means-testing social programs is warranted. — Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2021

The debate among Democrats has cut across typical ideological lines, with centrist and moderate Democrats lining up in favor and against means-testing elements of the bill. — Andrew Duehren, WSJ, 12 Oct. 2021

Verb

They’re not supposed to be testing his loyalty, much less taking it for granted. — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 12 Aug. 2026

Oshkosh Defense is testing a way around that problem by moving some manufacturing closer to troops. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2026