as in challenging
requiring considerable physical or mental effort
beginning rock climbers should choose a less testing route to the summit
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in sampling
to put (something) to a test
please test this sample for the presence of lead
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of testing
Rennie Dyball, Peoplemag, 19 Sep. 2022
So a review of the principles and record of means-testing social programs is warranted.
—Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2021
Steve Brozak, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
After playing two rounds of the playoffs in Colorado last season, and headed for unrestricted free agency, Nelson chose to re-sign with the Avalanche in June, rather than testing the waters.
—Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for testing
Adjective
Our testers evaluated each Dutch oven’s performance, ease of use, durability, and value (once the retail price was revealed post-testing).
—Rennie Dyball, Peoplemag, 19 Sep. 2022
So a review of the principles and record of means-testing social programs is warranted.
—Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2021
Verb
In many ways, the outbreak is testing not simply hospital systems, but institutional credibility itself.
—Steve Brozak, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
After playing two rounds of the playoffs in Colorado last season, and headed for unrestricted free agency, Nelson chose to re-sign with the Avalanche in June, rather than testing the waters.
—Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for testing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for testing
Adjective
-
Figuring out how to animate them was challenging.—
Marta Balaga,
Variety,
13 May 2026
-
With more than 7,300 yards of play, this challenging course also allows shorter three- or six-hole loops, perfect for golf vacations with kids who may not be up for an entire 18-hole round.—
Megan duBois,
USA Today,
13 May 2026
Verb
-
After sampling all of the ice creams, each editor selected an overall favorite.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
15 May 2026
-
Hospitals prepare for increased demand Huang said the county is also sampling wastewater and conducting hospital visits to make sure facilities are prepared.—
Marissa Armas,
CBS News,
13 May 2026
Verb
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Sullivan, though, first pushed back on the idea the Dolphins were trying to trade him at the NFL meetings later that month, calling him a priority to get extended.—
David Furones,
Sun Sentinel,
14 May 2026
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In that sense, perhaps collecting people who care deeply about the same places is a more promising digital model than trying to appeal to everyone everywhere.—
Kyle Chayka,
New Yorker,
14 May 2026
Adjective
-
When Thomson went through a difficult divorce, in 2014, Djena would often check in on her, showing up at her door with food.—
Yudhijit Bhattacharjee,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
-
Crow-Armstrong had just failed to make a highly difficult, leaping catch at the wall.—
Alejandro Avila OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
18 May 2026
Verb
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After examining the replay, the call was upgraded to a Flagrant 2.—
Alejandro Avila OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
11 May 2026
-
While that makes this account more profitable than a high-yield savings or money market account, the differential between the three is negligible, and savers shouldn't discount the alternative types without first examining each.—
Matt Richardson,
CBS News,
11 May 2026
Verb
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The Cascadia Subduction Zone is a 700-mile fault stretching from Northern California to British Columbia and separates the Juan de Fuca and North America tectonic plates, according to the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network (PNSN).—
Julia Jacobo,
ABC News,
14 May 2026
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Rai said the additional five years, stretching the patent from 2026 to 2031, likely stem from the Hatch-Waxman Act, a 1984 law that allows drugmakers to extend patents by up to five years to make up for time lost moving their drug through clinical trials and the FDA approval process.—
Berkeley Lovelace Jr,
NBC news,
13 May 2026
Adjective
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Students reportedly balanced rigorous courses and activities Many of the students took difficult classes such as AP Physics, AP Economics and multivariable calculus while also participating in clubs, sports and community organizations.—
Anthony Thompson,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
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The report goes on to say separate academies for immigrant and refugee students can deny them access to rigorous coursework and diverse elective options, and can hinder their academic process and social integration.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
15 May 2026
Verb
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Schumer also vowed Democrats will use other tools to fight the ballroom spending, which the White House says is strictly for security enhancements, including by pushing the Senate parliamentarian to strike the ballroom money from the budget bill.—
Dave Goldiner,
New York Daily News,
11 May 2026
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Ilango’s approach gets around limitations of zero-knowledge proofs that researchers have long thought insurmountable, pushing the boundaries of what such a proof can be.—
Ben Brubaker,
Quanta Magazine,
11 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Testing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/testing. Accessed 19 May. 2026.
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