TRIAL Synonyms: 155 Similar and Opposite Words

trial 1 of 2

noun

ˈtrī(-ə)l

Definition of trial

as in ordeal

a test of faith, patience, or strength living with her insufferable relatives was a real trial

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in rehearsal

a private performance or session in preparation for a public appearance ran another trial of the aerial performance before opening night

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as in test

a procedure or operation carried out to resolve an uncertainty trials by medical researchers haven't determined whether the medication is safe or not

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as in attempt

an effort to do or accomplish something will rest and make another trial at climbing the mountain

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as in headache

something that is a source of irritation trying to have a coherent phone conversation with his senile father was always a trial

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

trial

2 of 2

adjective

as in experimental

made or done as an experiment a trial medical procedure that should be considered only after all other options have been exhausted

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 trial

Noun

After a series of trials that kept them apart, Psyche proved her devotion to the gods, was rescued by her divine husband, and became immortal herself. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Oct. 2026 In August, James took a plea deal in exchange for prosecutors dropping a first-degree murder charge under her agreement to testify against Hamilton at trial. — Idaho Statesman, 9 Oct. 2026 This might mean welcome offers to invite someone to buy a product for the first time, encouraging trial. — Sarah Jones, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026 Once the jury is seated, the trial of former Stoughton Police Officer Matthew Farwell will kick off with opening statements followed by testimony from Stoughton Detective Heather Cheever and then from a local elementary school official. — Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for trial

Recent Examples of Synonyms for trial

Noun

That entire ordeal is presented in detail, a backstage drama in miniature that treats the boardroom soap opera as the last chance to keep Pandora’s box shut.

— David Fear, Rolling Stone, 6 Oct. 2026
Machchhar appeared emotional in the call with Modi while recalling the ordeal, and apologized to the prime minister for crying on the phone.

— Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of ordeal

Noun

The dance facilities will include a 100-seat theater for dance and four professional-size studios for dance instruction and rehearsal.

— Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
These two took a trip to New York City for rehearsals this week, since Guillermo is there for his day job.

— Katie Campione, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of rehearsal

Noun

In July, Reeves shared a brief clip of test footage of the upcoming film, which included the first proper look at Pattinson’s Bruce Wayne in a new Batsuit as what appears to be snow falls around him.

— Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
The trial provided no evidence that this test will reduce cancer deaths by 25%.

— H. Gilbert Welch, STAT, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of test

Noun

Various parts of the plant have been used in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda to treat conditions including headaches, colic, dropsy, rheumatism, nervous agitation, constipation, dyspepsia, and infections of the eye and throat.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Oct. 2026
The Bruins’ biggest headache could be 6-foot-5 tight end Jamari Johnson, who caught seven passes for 159 yards against USC, particularly with all three of UCLA’s starting cornerbacks shorter than 6 feet.

— Connor Dullinger, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of headache

Adjective

The people-watching can be just as good as the art, as creative types from around the city come here to find inspiration—especially during the summer months, when the museum throws its popular experimental music parties called Warm Up.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Oct. 2026
Elsewhere, Arca took festival glam into more experimental territory with graphic liner and a delicate flush of pink, while Elisha Herbert embraced a smoky, high-shine look for Mugler.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of experimental

Noun

Helen, Rob and Emily McDaniel's wood-fire-and-coal-cooking restaurant, is a cozy downtown spot that serves up chicken thighs, angel biscuits, and tomato pie.

— Leslie Pariseau, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Oct. 2026
The Forest Service lowered fire restrictions to Stage 1 earlier this month.

— The Know, Denver Post, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of fire

Noun

When OpenAI went from o1-preview to o1, its score on a competition math exam rose roughly 30 points, while its score on a broad general-knowledge test (Massive Multitask Language Understanding, or MMLU) slipped a point and a half.

— Dhyey Mavani, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026
Chanel doesn’t take pre-orders, so collection launches are typically frantic, as clients swoop down on previews to secure the best pieces.

— Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2026