TRIAL Synonyms: 155 Similar and Opposite Words

trial 1 of 2

noun

ˈtrī(-ə)l

Definition of trial

as in ordeal

a test of faith, patience, or strength living with her insufferable relatives was a real trial

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in rehearsal

a private performance or session in preparation for a public appearance ran another trial of the aerial performance before opening night

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as in test

a procedure or operation carried out to resolve an uncertainty trials by medical researchers haven't determined whether the medication is safe or not

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as in attempt

an effort to do or accomplish something will rest and make another trial at climbing the mountain

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as in headache

something that is a source of irritation trying to have a coherent phone conversation with his senile father was always a trial

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

trial

2 of 2

adjective

as in experimental

made or done as an experiment a trial medical procedure that should be considered only after all other options have been exhausted

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Noun

Reynor plays Gerry Leone, the lead prosecutor in the show’s central trial. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 2 Oct. 2026 As the first trial wound down, Solages’ lawyer, Jonathan Friedman, sought to call Thompson as a witness on his behalf. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026 Piotr Swat | Lightrocket | Getty Images On Friday, BioMarin announced five-year data from a Phase 3 trial for the drugs Pombiliti and Opfolda to treat late-onset Pompe disease, or LOPD. — Anna Rodin, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026 The trial continues Friday afternoon and is expected to last for eight weeks. — Chris Lau, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for trial

Recent Examples of Synonyms for 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

The dance facilities will include a 100-seat theater for dance and four professional-size studios for dance instruction and rehearsal.

— Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
These two took a trip to New York City for rehearsals this week, since Guillermo is there for his day job.

— Katie Campione, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of rehearsal

Noun

In July, Reeves shared a brief clip of test footage of the upcoming film, which included the first proper look at Pattinson’s Bruce Wayne in a new Batsuit as what appears to be snow falls around him.

— Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
The trial provided no evidence that this test will reduce cancer deaths by 25%.

— H. Gilbert Welch, STAT, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of test

Noun

The usual symptoms include high fever, headache, stiffness and an overall feeling that resembles the flu.

— David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2026
Budget cuts The unrest is adding to a major political headache for the government, which is about to start tough budget negotiations against a backdrop of division and economic turmoil.

— Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of headache

Adjective

Its experimental Little Blue Menu concept served traditional Chick-fil-A menu items along with burgers, pizza and onion rings; the chain will convert its final location into a traditional Chick-fil-A next year.

— Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 4 Oct. 2026
The one-day event will screen 12 shorts from seven countries, with documentaries, dramas, comedies, animation and experimental pieces in the mix.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of experimental

Noun

When OpenAI went from o1-preview to o1, its score on a competition math exam rose roughly 30 points, while its score on a broad general-knowledge test (Massive Multitask Language Understanding, or MMLU) slipped a point and a half.

— Dhyey Mavani, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026
Chanel doesn’t take pre-orders, so collection launches are typically frantic, as clients swoop down on previews to secure the best pieces.

— Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2026