TRIAL AND ERROR Synonyms: 18 Similar Words

trial and error

noun

Definition of trial and error

as in test

Related Words

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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 and error No one had experience in the trade, and most of the shop’s signature features emerged from trial and error and the uncertainty of the market. — Nathan Heller, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026 Just be prepared for some trial and error with different apps. — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 16 Oct. 2026 Treating depression often involves trial and error—and for many people, antidepressants can cause intolerable side effects. — Angela Haupt, Time, 15 Oct. 2026 After many attempts of trial and error in a simulated environment, MonoRace figured out the best ways to quickly solve navigation problems and then apply that in the real world. — Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for trial and error

Recent Examples of Synonyms for trial and error

Noun

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing one of the most significant electoral tests of his decades-long political career after three years of war, crisis and global outcry over the country's military campaign in the Gaza Strip.

— Yarden Segev, NBC news, 27 Oct. 2026
In a test involving the recognition of symbols, Cortical reports that linking up seven biological computers increased accuracy in results from around 80% to 99%.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of test

Noun

New York — Down a dim, crooked hallway inside the Jay Street Lofts, a hulking brick relic of Brooklyn’s industrial past, Naomi Mishkin is conducting a radical fashion experiment.

— Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
There might even come a time on Saturday when the Wolverines have to give Underwood the ball back, if the Carr experiment doesn’t come to fruition as the coaching staff is hoping.

— Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of experiment

Noun

The duo’s website frames the project around songwriting, experimentation and storytelling, with the album exploring the tension between holding on and letting go.

— Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 26 Oct. 2026
Leaders can demand experimentation while punishing failed experiments.

— Kelvin Cheema, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of experimentation

Noun

The latest push to end the practice began in June after an 18-year-old Indian tourist, Romanch Mahajan, died after jumping from a runaway carriage.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2026
The Act, which has been introduced to the Senate but not yet been enacted into law, seeks to establish a program for the active remediation of orbital debris as well as requiring the development of uniform orbital debris standard practices.

— David Zamora, Space.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of practice

Noun

Some puzzlers describe solving the crossword as a workout; for me, today’s was a knock-down, drag-out fistfight.

— Sean McGowan, New York Times, 22 Oct. 2026
Maryland hired Locksley in December 2018, about a month after coach DJ Durkin was fired in the aftermath of offensive lineman Jordan McNair's death of heatstroke in an offseason workout.

— Bryan Lynn, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of workout

Noun

Bishop Martha Mary Sherman, left, carries a crucifix and stand while priests Linda Wilcox, center, and Mary Smith carry other items for a rehearsal for Annie Girresch’s ordination.

— Jonathan Bullington, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
To prepare for the performance, Okatsuka studied the choreography at home before meeting with the Rams cheerleaders to run the routine at their weekly rehearsals.

— Angelique Jackson, Variety, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of rehearsal

Noun

The Society for Integrative Oncology’s guidelines for Complementary Therapies and Botanicals, of which Cohen is himself a co-author, cover mainstream supportive care such as exercise, medical massage, biofeedback, and yoga.

— Torie Bosch, STAT, 24 Oct. 2026
Known as the Special Intensive Revision, the exercise has, according to the protestors, resulted in more than 130 million voters being removed from electoral lists.

— Asim Ali, Time, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of exercise

Noun

The office’s misdemeanor section is a development ground and steppingstone for young prosecutors who take mostly DWIs and assault causing bodily injury to a family member cases to trial.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
Prosecutors, meantime, believe the trial could start much sooner.

— Andi Babineau, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of trial

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trial and error

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“Trial and error.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trial%20and%20error. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of trial and error

noun

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