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 Over two decades of trial and error, Nocera figured out how to re-create photosynthesis, the process by which plants use sunlight, water and carbon dioxide to create energy. — Abraham Swee, USA Today, 22 Sep. 2026 Pappas called it a trial and error process, because there’s a learning curve involved to determine how grass reacts to a new environment. — John Wawrow, Chicago Tribune, 15 Sep. 2026 In their first season of managing Ohtani as a full-season two-way player, there was always going to be some trial and error. — Katie Woo, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026 In reinforcement learning, an AI model learns, by trial and error, to maximize a reward that the person training the model establishes. — Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for trial and error

Recent Examples of Synonyms for trial and error

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

However early the experiment might be, the launch is a milestone for an emerging technology that has the potential to help meet AI’s growing demand for compute while avoiding the constraints on resources like power, water, and land on Earth.

— Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2026
In a recent Nature study, Stoliker’s team designed an experiment to test whether these directions are truly chaotic and random.

— Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of experiment

Noun

Scary movies, by nature, demand room for experimentation that can draw out all kinds of different audiences.

— Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 4 Oct. 2026
Defensive experimentation holds Florida’s run game hostage With the absence of defensive ends Darris Smith and Langden Kitchen, Mizzou used a four-man front with three defensive tackles to combat Florida’s dynamic rushing attack.

— PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of experimentation

Noun

At one point during Thursday’s 45-minute open practice/scrimmage situation, KU head coach Bill Self corrected Rosario for passing instead of taking the open 3-pointer.

— Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 9 Oct. 2026
The plaintiff argues those practices reduced competition among restaurants and led customers to pay higher prices.

— Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of practice

Noun

Getting a huge workout in, and all the boys were doing so great.

— Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2026
Its smaller brush head and slim, ergonomic handle make even styling shorter hair a breeze, giving you better control to lift roots, shape ends, and add volume without the arm workout.

— Madison San Miguel, Allure, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of workout

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

Kjærvik said calming exercises, social support, group discussion, or other aspects of a retreat are more likely to explain why participants might feel calmer afterward than venting.

— Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026
With its multi-mission configuration and experience in military exercises and operational settings, Hunter WOLF will now face a further assessment of its capabilities at Camp Grafton.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of exercise

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

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“Trial and error.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trial%20and%20error. Accessed 11 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of trial and error

noun

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