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 It’s marked with a small informational sign, but there aren’t any trail markers otherwise, so this route was a little bit of trial and error. — Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 June 2026 Curating a kid's TBR can occasionally feel like one long game of trial and error. — Taylor Grothe, Parents, 4 July 2026 What would take a human athlete roughly a year of physical trial and error to develop, Atlas worked through in about 24 hours. — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 5 July 2026 As a result, developing predictive models for 2D perovskites remained difficult, forcing researchers to rely heavily on experimental trial and error. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for trial and error

Recent Examples of Synonyms for trial and error

Noun

Stoking fears The test also reflected Beijing's determination to project power over its neighbors, analysts said, despite the scrutiny and alarm from regional powers such exercises almost immediately set off.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 8 July 2026
Shockingly, the letter seems to be pushing for a return to standardized tests by, in effect, arguing that a growing percentage of their students are simply too stupid to succeed, no matter what professors do.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026

Definition of test

Noun

In our democratic experiment, our most fundamental duty is to see our neighbors as wholly human.

— Dawn M. Turner, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Everyone is familiar with the old saw that those unversed in history are condemned to repeat it, which packs a certain irony 250 years into our democratic experiment.

— Colin Fleming, New York Daily News, 4 July 2026

Definition of experiment

Noun

In terms of threading the needle between the experimentation and playing Lestat does before landing on a style that’s uniquely his, Lestat’s preference for musical exploration is akin to Hart’s own.

— Sabrina Reed, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
The latest tests took place earlier this month during Exercise Neptune Reach, when the drone was launched from the experimentation vessel XV Patrick Blackett off the southern coast of England.

— Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 4 July 2026

Definition of experimentation

Noun

In March, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung warned on X that oil refiners and corporations engaged in price-fixing would be held accountable, vowing to deploy all lawful measures against unethical business practices.

— Jenny Lee, CNBC, 6 July 2026
Even with this practice, there should be an effort, if possible, to avoid training or competition during the hottest times of day.

— Nicole Williams, AJC.com, 6 July 2026

Definition of practice

Noun

The waistband is made with stretchy material that doesn't dig into your skin, even during long walks or workouts.

— Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026
According to Playlist, parent company of the gym and spa membership app ClassPass, the number of venues on ClassPass with electrical muscle stimulation workouts rose more than 16% from 2023 to 2025.

— Diana Anos, CNN Money, 3 July 2026

Definition of workout

Noun

In footage shared by attorney and independent journalist Aaron Parnas on Thursday, a group of young dancers were nearly crushed when a large panel plummeted to the stage during a live performance or rehearsal.

— Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 2 July 2026
Knowing the show is a heavy lift, Ross came into rehearsals with the script already memorized.

— Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 2 July 2026

Definition of rehearsal

Noun

The exercise brought together the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force under Project Vantage, an initiative aimed at accelerating the testing and evaluation of maritime attack drones.

— Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 4 July 2026
Go through the mental exercise of all the potential difficulties.

— Adam Crafton, New York Times, 4 July 2026

Definition of exercise

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

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trial and error

trial and errors

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“Trial and error.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trial%20and%20error. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of trial and error

noun

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