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

Opening arguments are set to kick off Tuesday in a pivotal trial for Meta Platforms in a California federal court. — ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026 William Silvia was first sentenced to death following his 2008 trial. — CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026 Earlier trials involved the 3rd Brigade of the 10th Mountain Division and the 101st Airborne Division. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 18 Aug. 2026 But Paramount was hoping for an earlier trial date — ideally in November. — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for trial

Recent Examples of Synonyms for trial

Noun

Hushcha and Novak now plan to turn part of the ordeal into an exhibition.

— Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 20 Aug. 2026
Parents, siblings and upperclassmen volunteers, if the school offers them, can turn a three-hour ordeal into a 90-minute one.

— Lauren Schuster, Kansas City Star, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of ordeal

Noun

Washington and Seoul say their drills are defensive in nature, but North Korea calls them an invasion rehearsal and often reacts with weapons tests.

— Hyung-Jin Kim, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Baum und Pferdgarten’s collection was inspired by what dancers wear offstage between rehearsals and classes.

— Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of rehearsal

Noun

The family was in the middle of a cookout when Silvia arrived, and after an unsuccessful attempt to reconcile, authorities said Silvia retrieved the shotgun from his truck and shot the two women.

— CBS News, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
First, Murdock recognized the Falcons setting up a screen and then shook off a block attempt by the pulling center and dropped running back Tyler Goodson for no gain.

— Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of attempt

Noun

AutoCamp is also a short walk to the main drag, sparing guests the headache of the limited parking around shops and restaurants.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
Friday provided a brief but clear reminder of what kind of headache that could be for opposing defensive coordinators.

— Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of headache

Adjective

What starts as a reasonable desire to prevent disease can escalate into constant testing and rigid routines built around an ever-growing roster of supplements and experimental remedies.

— John Vorwald, Robb Report, 16 Aug. 2026
After the experimental procedure, John missed the entire 1975 season before returning to the big leagues and pitching all the way through the 1989 season.

— Kevin Dotson, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of experimental

Noun

Since 1990 people have gathered from across the country and around the world in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert for the annual celebration of fire, free-thinking and communal living called Burning Man.

— Felicia Feaster, AJC.com, 18 Aug. 2026
The fire resulted in the loss of Smothermon's other grandson, two dogs and dozens of guinea pigs.

— ABC News, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of fire

Noun

The sale officially runs from August 20 through September 3, following a three-day preview beginning August 17.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 19 Aug. 2026
Featured in the streetwear brand’s fall ’26 preview is the Supreme x Timberland Diamond Plate 6-Inch premium waterproof boot in familiar wheat and black styles.

— Riley Jones, Footwear News, 18 Aug. 2026