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

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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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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

The club agreed to a rigorous trial period over the course of several months during the 2024-25 season, ending with Biolyz signing the Dortmund to its first commercial contract. — Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 10 Aug. 2026 The company had argued that the trial couldn’t go forward while the appeal had been outstanding. — Reuters, NBC news, 10 Aug. 2026 Here are some of the most notable potential witnesses in Tupac's murder trial. — Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026 That trial — known as TRAVERSE — was published in 2023 in the New England Journal of Medicine. — Will Stone, NPR, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for trial

Recent Examples of Synonyms for trial

Noun

But as the AskHistorians ordeal illustrates, more enforcement doesn’t necessarily mean better enforcement.

— Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 6 Aug. 2026
The ordeal was so dire that Papa’s doctor advised him to prepare his family for the worst.

— Michael Nowels, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of ordeal

Noun

The fallout from that controversial attempt has divided the soccer landscape, with continental confederations and individual national associations all split on whether a change in FIFA leadership is needed.

— Ben Church, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026
The bottom line is that litigation must be managed and an attempt made to settle the case early if possible.

— Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of attempt

Adjective

Sinkule says the first recipients of the experimental therapy should be scheduled before the end of the year, and that the treatment is roughly two and a half years away from market.

— Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 9 Aug. 2026
Tarr’s scheme was an international, experimental doctoral school for film studies that ran from 2013 to 2017 in the Bosnian capital.

— Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of experimental

Noun

Viewers will hear the new rendition ahead of each new episode of the Netflix sequel series releasing September 24, or by watching an early preview above.

— Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026
Some of their microseries will be shown at movie theaters during previews.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026