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 family’s ordeal worsened Sunday when her brother-in-law found the body of his mother, Rosa María Díaz de Rodríguez, among a pile of corpses. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 29 June 2026 According to the marine science center, Wilbur did not have identification tags, and, following the stressful ordeal, officials decided not to tag her. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026 Engelmayer said Weinstein's medical ordeal was exacerbated by a case of pneumonia. — Edward Segarra, USA Today, 1 July 2026 The footage published by The Associated Press showing 18-day-old Juan David and his mother, Dayana Patino, being saved from the rubble after their 32-hour ordeal in the northern coastal region of La Guaira was shared around the world this week. — Chantal Da Silva, NBC news, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for ordeal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ordeal

Noun

The National Mall seems to be wrapped in a variety of fencing, some of it in place for construction reasons, some of it to create a security gantlet for the July 4 celebration.

— Matt Viser, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026
The operators who survive this structural gauntlet may find themselves on the other side of a very different landscape.

— Peter Su, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026

Definition of gauntlet

Noun

Defense attorneys argued during the trial that the defendants planned a peaceful protest and noise demonstration with fireworks to show support for people detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

— Amy McDaniel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 July 2026
If the judge finds there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial, Robinson will be arraigned and enter pleas.

— Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 6 July 2026

Definition of trial

Noun

An evacuation warning was issued for the area of Paradise Ranch, between Templin Highway and the Pyramid Lake area, according to Los Angeles County fire officials.

— Andrea Klick, Daily News, 7 July 2026
In Los Angeles County, the fire department said a man was critically injured after a fire burned at least two cars in a parking lot in the Wilmington neighborhood on July 3.

— Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 7 July 2026

Definition of fire

Noun

Just as El Tri was applying more pressure in the first half, Bukayo Saka broke away down the right flank and sent a cross to Bellingham, who scored in the 36th minute.

— Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Portugal somehow held on, and Goncalo Ramos’ 94th-minute header, with Ronaldo substituted, sparked delirium after a delightful Rafael Leao cross.

— Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 5 July 2026

Definition of cross

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ordeal

ordeals

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“Ordeal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ordeal. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of ordeal

noun

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