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

Topical copper peptide serums and creams have been on the market for decades and studied in human trials. — Will Stone, NPR, 7 Sep. 2026 At Noreus’ trial, Bowman was asked about one of the complaints, sent by a now 55-year-old Jacksonville woman licensed to work as a registered nurse in Florida. — Annie Martin, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Sep. 2026 Another is a Nordic installation built in tribute to women killed in witch trials, which feels terrifying to walk through — a kind of infinitude accentuated by Franz Lustig’s 3D cinematography. — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 6 Sep. 2026 The fundraising push came nearly two weeks after a judge denied Anthony’s request for a new trial. — Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for trial

Recent Examples of Synonyms for trial

Noun

There were long lines at gas pumps, turning each fill-up into an ordeal.

— Dasha Litvinova, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
McCoy has transformed his ordeal into a testimonial on faith and the power of prayer.

— Jan Thacker, Outdoor Life, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of ordeal

Noun

Because of his unique working methods, Herzog typically plans for a long series of rehearsals before production begins.

— Nate Jones, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026
Last week, the Aperture singer logged several miles on his walk to his final rehearsal for his 30-night residency at Madison Square Garden.

— Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of rehearsal

Noun

The Tigers are 5-for-6 in steal attempts so far in September.

— Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
The six-machine launch reflects the company’s wider attempt to develop into a more comprehensive supplier of semiconductor manufacturing equipment rather than remaining focused on a single part of the fabrication process.

— Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of attempt

Noun

West Nile symptoms A full 80% of those infected may not show symptoms, but 20% have flu-like symptoms, such as a fever with headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, rash or fatigue.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 4 Sep. 2026
Cole Burston / Getty Images With so many clubs still in the mix, even scoreboard watching can induce a headache.

— Zack Meisel, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of headache

Adjective

At the forefront are Moderna and Merck, whose treatment combines a powerful immunotherapy drug with an experimental made-to-order mRNA cancer vaccine.

— Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2026
Laser weapons are moving beyond experimental laboratories and becoming practical tools for destroying drones, rockets, missiles, and other airborne threats.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of experimental

Noun

On Monday, Fort Smith Police Officer Jonathan Mounts and his family lost their home and belongings in a house fire, according to a Facebook post from the Fort Smith Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 39.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Sep. 2026
Some 200 emergency personnel responded, finding the plane with heavy flames and smoke from a complex engine compartment fire, the department said.

— ABC News, ABC News, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of fire

Noun

The intense storm activity in the Pacific this summer may be a preview of what’s to come.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
While Sipe has been performing for decades, another at the preview event was preparing to make his festival debut.

— Rashad Alexander August 31, Kansas City Star, 31 Aug. 2026