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 The ordeal suffered by her, her young baby and son is chronicled through videos Roro sent through Hani, with whom Plambech developed a close relationship. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 29 Sep. 2026 Like many biographers, Hitchcock sees this physical ordeal as a turn of events that deepened Roosevelt’s character. — Beverly Gage, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026 Abascal has criticized Sánchez and blamed him for her ordeal. — Alicia León, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026 The ordeal carved a major hole in the couples’ finances, Reich said. — Ron Hurtibise, Sun Sentinel, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ordeal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ordeal

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

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

Noun

The quick short corner surprised Greenville (6-16-5), and Barea hit the edge of the 18-yard box before lifting a cross to the far post.

— Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 4 Oct. 2026
And over the next 30 years, that feeling spread across a very broad cross-section of Americans.

— Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 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 10 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of ordeal

noun

Example Sentences

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