trial and error

Definition of trial and errornext

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 There are more than 20 disease-modifying therapies for MS, Bebo said, so figuring out the best one for you might involve trial and error. — Erica Sloan, Washington Post, 22 Oct. 2026 That habit comes partly from how these systems learn – much of their skill is built through trial and error. — Anat Lior, The Conversation, 21 Oct. 2026 In plain terms, that means fewer handoffs between departments, shorter timelines and more decisions made by simulation and data instead of trial and error. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for trial and error
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trial and error
Noun
  • The two tests indicate that Pyongyang is working on dispersal warheads for both tactical ballistic missiles and strategic cruise missiles.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2026
  • APIs allow researchers to automate prompts, standardize experiments, collect responses and large volumes of data, as well as test models at scale, making results easier to compare and reproduce.
    — Katie McQue, NPR, 2 Nov. 2026
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
Noun
  • Meta’s requirements focus on human interaction, including voice recognition, gestures, and eye contact, although the company says the collaboration is limited to internal research and experimentation.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Amid all the technology, scrutiny, experimentation and high-stakes business developments, there’s even room for some storytelling.
    — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 2 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Evans missed all of this week’s practice with a triceps injury.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Rounding out the composition is a selection of vintage rattan pieces and sculptural creations by Pretziada, a creative design practice based in Sardinia, and its artisans.
    — Francesca Longoni, Architectural Digest, 30 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • There's a small spa, in-room yoga mats, access to nearby Bodytech gym, and beach workouts can be arranged.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Morning or afternoon workouts can help advance circadian rhythms, while evening exercise may delay them.
    — Hannah Poukish, Sacbee.com, 28 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The Kravis Studio was closed to museumgoers for rehearsals, so the Friday event would be Pageant’s only public presentation at MoMA besides a free artist talk the following Sunday.
    — Nolan Kelly, Artforum, 26 Oct. 2026
  • About to head into rehearsals for his upcoming play, Tarantino explained his current mindset is of being a writer first, as was put into action with opting not to direct Cliff Booth.
    — Kirsten Chuba, HollywoodReporter, 24 Oct. 2026
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
Noun
  • Assistant District Attorney Jason Judd asserted at a pretrial conference that the expert would be material, or critical, at trial and that representatives of the state had met in person with the expert.
    — Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Oct. 2026
  • Combining real-world robot experience with simulation also provides additional opportunities to practice tasks without relying entirely on physical trials.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Trial and error.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trial%20and%20error. Accessed 4 Nov. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster