TRIAL AND ERROR Synonyms: 18 Similar Words

trial and error

noun

Definition of trial and error

as in test

Related Words

Relevance

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 Where Jacob’s process worked with the natural spontaneity (and trial and error) of human handiwork and fabric, AI probably would have just given the birds a warped beak or extra foot. — Alexandra Hildreth, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026 Stuhlbarg noted a lot of trial and error before arriving at the version of the movie that made it to the screen. — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 30 Sep. 2026 That responsibility makes trial and error central to his work with Berger. — Ben Croll, Variety, 30 Sep. 2026 Over two decades of trial and error, Nocera figured out how to re-create photosynthesis, the process by which plants use sunlight, water and carbon dioxide to create energy. — Abraham Swee, USA Today, 22 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for trial and error

Recent Examples of Synonyms for trial and error

Noun

The new tier of intermediate-sized banks would have a community development test, but not an investment and service metric that large banks are graded on.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 13 Oct. 2026
And what about OpenAI’s Sam Altman, whose models hacked their way out of a test this summer and launched a cyberattack against the AI company Hugging Face?

— Diane Brady, Fortune, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of test

Noun

However early the experiment might be, the launch is a milestone for an emerging technology that has the potential to help meet AI’s growing demand for compute while avoiding the constraints on resources like power, water, and land on Earth.

— Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2026
In a recent Nature study, Stoliker’s team designed an experiment to test whether these directions are truly chaotic and random.

— Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of experiment

Noun

Since establishing his label in Paris in 1937, Roger Vivier became known for experimentation with form, materials and heel shapes — a vocabulary creative director Gherardo Felloni continues to mine today.

— Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
As a genre that sustains narrative variety and experimentation through cutting-edge style, horror almost certainly produces more than any one fan has time to find, let alone watch.

— Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of experimentation

Noun

At one point during Thursday’s 45-minute open practice/scrimmage situation, KU head coach Bill Self corrected Rosario for passing instead of taking the open 3-pointer.

— Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 9 Oct. 2026
The plaintiff argues those practices reduced competition among restaurants and led customers to pay higher prices.

— Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of practice

Noun

Getting a huge workout in, and all the boys were doing so great.

— Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2026
Its smaller brush head and slim, ergonomic handle make even styling shorter hair a breeze, giving you better control to lift roots, shape ends, and add volume without the arm workout.

— Madison San Miguel, Allure, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of workout

Noun

Kjærvik said calming exercises, social support, group discussion, or other aspects of a retreat are more likely to explain why participants might feel calmer afterward than venting.

— Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026
With its multi-mission configuration and experience in military exercises and operational settings, Hunter WOLF will now face a further assessment of its capabilities at Camp Grafton.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of exercise

Noun

Construction site trial succeeds The team tested the complete system at an active construction site, where a worker wore the device for approximately 165 minutes while performing normal daily activities.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026
Four days before the trial was to begin, Johnson tried to meet with his client in a Tarrant County jail.

— Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of trial

Browse Nearby Words

trial

trial and error

trial and errors

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Trial and error.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trial%20and%20error. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of trial and error

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

deportment

Popular in Grammar & Usage

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Popular

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

Games & Quizzes