Thesaurus results for ORDEAL

ordeal

noun

ȯr-ˈdē(-ə)l

Definition of ordeal

as in gauntlet

a test of faith, patience, or strength the hikers were finally rescued after a three-day ordeal in the wilderness

Synonyms & Similar 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 ordeal Philipps has come out of the six-month ordeal feeling nothing but gratitude. — Meg Walters, InStyle, 26 Aug. 2026 Over the weekend, Joshua Aviles detailed his father's ordeal while he was deployed in a war zone. — Laura Romero, ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026 Nearby, Keshonda Philon, of Gary, talked about the ordeal without power for nearly two weeks. — Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026 But in June 2009, in the midst of the whole ordeal, Capers lost his rock. — Ethan Rocke, Charlotte Observer, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ordeal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ordeal

Noun

As the world expands, Musashi can go around taking on requests from the townfolk for resources to upgrade his sword, armor, and gauntlet.

— Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 31 Aug. 2026
Adding a ninth conference game in the age of the transfer portal could make the road even tougher, requiring teams to display the depth to survive a 16- or 17-game gauntlet to win a national championship.

— Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of gauntlet

Noun

The trial brings to a head a decades-old case that for years has drawn the eyes of hip-hop fans and true crime experts alike.

— Jonathan Landrum Jr, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
Creeden filed a motion for the continuance on Thursday, saying the probation office hadn’t yet released its draft presentence investigation report and that the court hadn’t yet ruled on his motions for acquittal and for a new trial.

— Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of trial

Noun

The Plaskett fire was 8,241 acres as of Sunday morning — up from about 6,000 acres Saturday morning — and only 1% contained.

— Deputy Managing Editor, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
This includes campfires, warming fires and charcoal barbecues, the park said, directing visitors to its Fire Information webpage.

— Eve Chen, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of fire

Noun

Some of the demographic differences could reflect several cross currents in the economy.

— Jason Ma, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026
Five-layer composite structure The entire laminate relies on a five-layer composite structure that measures under a single millimeter in cross-section.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of cross

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ordains

ordeal

ordeals

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“Ordeal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ordeal. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of ordeal

noun

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