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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in attempt

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

If the science holds up in human trials, tooth loss could eventually be treated as a biological problem to reverse rather than a permanent condition to patch over with implants and dentures. — Allison Palmer july 6, Charlotte Observer, 6 July 2026 Their son, Nick Reiner, was soon arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder; he is currently being held without bail while awaiting trial in Los Angeles. — Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 6 July 2026 Walters, represented by the federal public defender’s office following his arrest in Orlando last month, was ordered detained until trial by a magistrate judge. — Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 6 July 2026 Defense attorneys argued during the trial that the defendants planned a peaceful protest and noise demonstration with fireworks to show support for people detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. — Amy McDaniel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for trial

Recent Examples of Synonyms for trial

Noun

According to the marine science center, Wilbur did not have identification tags, and, following the stressful ordeal, officials decided not to tag her.

— Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026
Engelmayer said Weinstein's medical ordeal was exacerbated by a case of pneumonia.

— Edward Segarra, USA Today, 1 July 2026

Definition of ordeal

Noun

In footage shared by attorney and independent journalist Aaron Parnas on Thursday, a group of young dancers were nearly crushed when a large panel plummeted to the stage during a live performance or rehearsal.

— Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 2 July 2026
Knowing the show is a heavy lift, Ross came into rehearsals with the script already memorized.

— Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 2 July 2026

Definition of rehearsal

Noun

Stoking fears The test also reflected Beijing's determination to project power over its neighbors, analysts said, despite the scrutiny and alarm from regional powers such exercises almost immediately set off.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 8 July 2026
Shockingly, the letter seems to be pushing for a return to standardized tests by, in effect, arguing that a growing percentage of their students are simply too stupid to succeed, no matter what professors do.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026

Definition of test

Noun

No one expects Moreno to spend like the Dodgers do (and even Walter’s fellow owners want a salary cap in an attempt to stop the Dodgers).

— Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
One interception attempt resulted in a large explosion that spectacularly blew the roof off a fuel tank.

— Clare Sebastian, CNN Money, 6 July 2026

Definition of attempt

Noun

Intense exercise on a sizzling day can lead to extreme fatigue, impaired performance, headache, irritability, nausea, dizziness, cramping and dehydration, all symptoms of exertional heat illness.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome causes fatigue, fever, muscle aches, abdominal problems, headaches, chills and dizziness in the early stages, and late symptoms include chest tightness, coughing, shortness of breath and lungs filling with fluid.

— Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes.com, 2 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

An evacuation warning was issued for the area of Paradise Ranch, between Templin Highway and the Pyramid Lake area, according to Los Angeles County fire officials.

— Andrea Klick, Daily News, 7 July 2026
In Los Angeles County, the fire department said a man was critically injured after a fire burned at least two cars in a parking lot in the Wilmington neighborhood on July 3.

— Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 7 July 2026

Definition of fire

Noun

News that Harry had lost the case broke while the prince was attending a preview for next year’s Invictus Games.

— Erin Vanderhoof, Vanity Fair, 7 July 2026
Drugmaker Eli Lilly also got a 3% boost after JPMorgan raised its price target on the stock to $1,400 from $1,300 in its second-quarter earnings preview of the company.

— Paulina Likos, CNBC, 7 July 2026