TRIAL AND ERROR Synonyms: 18 Similar Words

trial and error

noun

Definition of trial and error

as in test

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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 Their daily tasks are learned through trial and error, not by training. — Jim King, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026 This realistically requires some trial and error, as it’s not entirely cut and dry, so here’s where to begin. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026 The spice used to season the brisket is a 12-spice blend that Abdul-Kafi created after some trial and error. — Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Aug. 2026 As a result, Microduck should be able to learn new tricks through trial and error. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for trial and error

Recent Examples of Synonyms for trial and error

Noun

If a soil test reveals a lack of nutrients, add a slow-release granular fertilizer to fuel your garlic’s growth.

— Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Sep. 2026
Following a Wall Street Journal report, Google has confirmed that Gemini models hacked three companies during a May 2026 test, but the nature of the intrusion isn’t as troubling (or impressive) as previous AI hacks.

— Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of test

Noun

A student who is excited about an experiment is still learning.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Sep. 2026
This year marked the first time the experiment was conducted at Yuma Proving Ground after previously being hosted at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of experiment

Noun

Published in 2018, Pollan’s book How to Change Your Mind chronicled the journalist’s investigation into the history and science of psychedelics, including his own personal experimentation.

— Claire Hoffman, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2026
The answer involves two puzzling sets of teeth, fake saliva — and some personal experimentation.

— Pien Huang, NPR, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of experimentation

Noun

Jukes is a year younger than McQuillen, but during club season at 1st Alliance, the two compete against each other during practice.

— Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026
Ars Video The three researchers from Hacktron AI, a small security company, were paid $6,500 by OpenAI as part of a bug bounty program, a common practice where tech companies pay ethical hackers to test their security.

— Cristina Criddle, ArsTechnica, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of practice

Noun

As fate would have it, pitcher JR Ritchie, shown throwing during spring training workouts in February, will take the mound on a day the Braves can clinch a postseason berth.

— Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 16 Sep. 2026
Ahead of the workout, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said cornerback Mansoor Delane would practice in some capacity.

— Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of workout

Noun

Alleigha was the church's main worship leader and performed alongside Flynn, who sang with the worship team during rehearsals and weekend services, Keyt testified.

— Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 22 Sep. 2026
Outside a rehearsal space in this city ringed by mountains, opera singer Michael Kuhn was practicing fly casting.

— Annie Gowen, Washington Post, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of rehearsal

Noun

The demonstration followed an earlier appearance at Operation Jailbreak, an experimentation exercise held at Fort Carson.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2026
After three suboptimal innings, Glasnow settled down in a trust-building exercise of an outing against the Giants and their triple A-caliber lineup.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of exercise

Noun

They were held to answer on murder and torture charges Thursday after a four-day preliminary hearing in Compton, and face either life in prison or the death penalty if convicted at trial.

— Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026
Several of Desronvil's fellow jurors who have spoken publicly since the trial say that deliberations eventually yielded an 11-1 split in favor of not guilty by reason of insanity.

— ABC News, ABC News, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of trial

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trial

trial and error

trial and errors

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“Trial and error.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trial%20and%20error. Accessed 24 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of trial and error

noun

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