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

For now, the therapy is not a standard treatment, and the researchers behind these studies have been consistent about the limits of what small trials can prove. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 13 July 2026 Quebec Crown prosecutor Jérôme Laflamme said Nygard’s plea came unexpectedly ahead of what had been scheduled as a 10-day judge-alone trial. — ABC News, 13 July 2026 Hatty, a Labrador retriever, has provided support and comfort to more than 200 victrims and witnesses during trials and other hearings at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse since 2019. — Todd Feurer, CBS News, 13 July 2026 The states succeeded in convincing a judge to freeze the merger in advance of a trial. — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 13 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for trial

Recent Examples of Synonyms for trial

Noun

Through their fantastical ordeals, the X-Men illustrate qualities that inspire viewers, young and old.

— Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
Incident comes after tenants’ lawsuit The ordeal comes less than a week after eight tenants with the North Lawn Tenant Union filed lawsuits against Levovitz, according to a July 2 news release from Joseph.

— Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 8 July 2026

Definition of ordeal

Noun

The 515 Music Hub is also new, a partnership between Music Across Borders, Open Doors KC and KC Jazz Alive and has hosted musicians at its rehearsal space and live venue.

— Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 8 July 2026
Finally, slides should support the speaker with rich media, and genuine practice, not rigid rehearsal, allows for spontaneity and authenticity, ultimately boosting personal and career visibility.

— William Arruda, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

Definition of rehearsal

Noun

Groups like EdTrust-West and The Campaign for College Opportunity, which champion equity and access to higher education, pushed back and said standardized tests in UC admissions were biased against low-income and minority students.

— Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
Chen’s work focuses on using seismological data to improve methods to identify and monitor nuclear tests.

— Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 15 July 2026

Definition of test

Noun

In a confessional at the start of this week’s episode, Luke tries to redress his failure to communicate with Gen as an intentional attempt to guard Gen’s feelings in the middle of the charter.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 14 July 2026
Tokyo — Japan may have its first ever female prime minister, but her government’s attempts to avoid a royal succession crisis are making the chances of a woman taking the imperial throne ever slimmer.

— Hanako Montgomery, CNN Money, 14 July 2026

Definition of attempt

Noun

Puppies getting their first grooming experience, large breeds that are difficult to transport and dogs in multi-pet households where coordinating salon logistics is a headache all stand to gain as well.

— Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2026
Designed for home gardeners who want results without the hassle – no gas, no fumes, and no maintenance headaches.

— ABC News, ABC News, 10 July 2026

Definition of headache

Adjective

To verify what was happening inside the material, the team combined several experimental techniques.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 5 July 2026
All three have released solo albums that further expand their palettes, moving into ambient (Vida), experimental (Stardrum), and singer/songwriter (Epstein) realms.

— Reed Jackson, SPIN, 3 July 2026

Definition of experimental

Noun

The sale isn’t technically on until July 18, but the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale preview has revealed, in its chivalrous early access, all that’s set to be on sale for the event this year.

— Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 14 July 2026
Including previews, the film has brought its early local cume to $493,014 from 75,469 viewers.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 13 July 2026