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

As their homes become the prep site for a big trial, Kim and Cher both take an interest in their father’s legal work. — Jonathan Van Meter, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026 In 1697 the Massachusetts General Court ordered a day of fasting and prayer to repent for the unlawfulness of the trials. — Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026 In August 2025, Allen was found liable by default rather than following a trial in which a jury weighed the competing accounts. — Ashley Hume , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026 The trial tested the vaccine after surgery, alongside Keytruda, rather than against immunotherapy regimens given before surgery. — Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for trial

Recent Examples of Synonyms for trial

Noun

This entire ordeal can be traced back to the infamous BCS formula, which captivated audiences with computer rankings that led to fans essentially yelling at computers at seasons end.

— Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2026
If the person holding key intellectual property or leading the company risks losing status, immigration planning ceases to be a personal ordeal.

— Bernardo Saraiva, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of ordeal

Noun

Bishop Martha Mary Sherman, left, carries a crucifix and stand while priests Linda Wilcox, center, and Mary Smith carry other items for a rehearsal for Annie Girresch’s ordination.

— Jonathan Bullington, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
To prepare for the performance, Okatsuka studied the choreography at home before meeting with the Rams cheerleaders to run the routine at their weekly rehearsals.

— Angelique Jackson, Variety, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of rehearsal

Noun

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing one of the most significant electoral tests of his decades-long political career after three years of war, crisis and global outcry over the country's military campaign in the Gaza Strip.

— Yarden Segev, NBC news, 27 Oct. 2026
In a test involving the recognition of symbols, Cortical reports that linking up seven biological computers increased accuracy in results from around 80% to 99%.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of test

Noun

Well, on Monday, Overshown put those doubts to rest by tying for the team lead with six tackles and recording a game-sealing interception in the fourth quarter to thwart a Philadelphia comeback attempt.

— Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Oct. 2026
Butker made his next attempt — a 50-yard field goal to cut the Seahawks’ lead to 13-3 late in the third quarter — before missing from 45 yards midway through the fourth.

— Pete Sweeney October 26, Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of attempt

Adjective

Unlike pure experimental rigs, Mark-1 is designed as a commercially representative plant.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
Kerry Washington and Gemma Chan made the case for understated elegance, while Lauryn Hill and True Whitaker embraced a more experimental streak.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of experimental

Noun

Ukraine's General Staff that day said its forces hit an electronics plant in Oryol that makes components for the cruise and ballistic missiles Russia fires at Ukrainian cities.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
But the drought that set the stage for the fires has dried up Baltzor's hay meadows, too.

— Anna King, NPR, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of fire

Noun

In a preview of political fights to come over artificial intelligence, the data center industry is starting to spend money on elections for the first time.

— Theodore Schleifer, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2026
Be careful because certain apps may open or begin loading a preview.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026