crucible

noun

ˈkrü-sə-bəl How to pronounce crucible (audio)
Definition of cruciblenext
as in ordeal
a test of faith, patience, or strength soldiers who had withstood the crucible of war

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 crucible The show, Gunsmoke & Mirrors, is set in the late 19th century and chronicles the transformation of Christian Rørmose Madsen, who reinvented himself in the lawless crucible of the American West. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 2 Sep. 2026 Forged in crucibles of traumatic childhoods and unthinkable loss, both Batman and Alice seek to right wrongs that the criminal justice system won’t touch. — Erin Qualey, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026 On the other hand, Burke was thrown directly into the cultural crucible. — Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 9 Aug. 2026 The standard venture model assumes that the best companies attract the most competition, and that winners emerge from that crucible. — Alex Lazarow, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for crucible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crucible
  1. ordeal
  2. fire
  3. gauntlet
  4. trial
Noun
  • That entire ordeal is presented in detail, a backstage drama in miniature that treats the boardroom soap opera as the last chance to keep Pandora’s box shut.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Machchhar appeared emotional in the call with Modi while recalling the ordeal, and apologized to the prime minister for crying on the phone.
    — Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of ordeal
Noun
  • Gaza health officials have said at least 1,400 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since last October's ceasefire.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 2026
  • After that, the chants to fire Riley rang out from the student section.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of fire
Noun
  • To complete his gauntlet in November, Flora must defeat Matthew Adams — a Democrat who doesn’t have the name recognition or financial backing of the incumbent.
    — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Ohio State and Alabama need wins to maintain momentum ahead of a tougher gantlet, while Mississippi State and Iowa look to prove hot starts are no fluke.
    — Matt Piper, New York Times, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of gauntlet
Noun
  • When the trial ended, the country gladly went back to DST in the summers.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
  • After a 2021 trial, Silver ruled against the state, issuing an injunction that required corrections authorities to address the constitutional violations.
    — Jacques Billeaud, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of trial

Browse Nearby Words

crucial
crucible
crucibles
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Cite this Entry

“Crucible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crucible. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on crucible

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about crucible

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