ordeal
noun
or·deal
ȯr-ˈdē(-ə)l 
ˈȯr-ˌdē(-ə)l
1
: a primitive means used to determine guilt or innocence by submitting the accused to dangerous or painful tests believed to be under supernatural control
ordeal by fire
ordeal by water
2
: a severe trial or experience
Being trapped in an elevator was a harrowing ordeal for the shoppers.
Synonyms of ordeal
Examples of ordeal in a Sentence
the hikers were finally rescued after a three-day ordeal in the wilderness
Recent Examples on the Web
Over the years, my closet got more and more stuffed—so much so that getting dressed would sometimes turn into a take-everything-out-and-toss-it-on-the-bed-to-find-that-V-neck-sweater ordeal.
—
Amy Brightfield, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Dec. 2025
The ordeal isn’t helped by India’s Byzantine bureaucracy.
—Esha Mitra, CNN Money, 25 Dec. 2025
Getting the tree into our 1950s tripod stand — the one passed down from my parents — is another holiday ordeal.
—Mark Glende, Twin Cities, 24 Dec. 2025
The police officer sent her back to the unmarked car, beginning a 48-hour ordeal that ended with her being charged with assault of a federal officer — charges eventually dropped after her lawyer demanded body camera footage and alleged witness statements.
—Anita Chabria, Mercury News, 23 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ordeal
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Amy Brightfield, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Dec. 2025
The ordeal isn’t helped by India’s Byzantine bureaucracy.
—Esha Mitra, CNN Money, 25 Dec. 2025
Getting the tree into our 1950s tripod stand — the one passed down from my parents — is another holiday ordeal.
—Mark Glende, Twin Cities, 24 Dec. 2025
The police officer sent her back to the unmarked car, beginning a 48-hour ordeal that ended with her being charged with assault of a federal officer — charges eventually dropped after her lawyer demanded body camera footage and alleged witness statements.
—Anita Chabria, Mercury News, 23 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ordeal
Cite this Entry
“Ordeal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ordeal. Accessed 1 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ordeal
noun
or·deal
ȯr-ˈdē(-ə)l
1
: a method of deciding guilt or innocence by making the accused person take dangerous or painful tests
ordeal by fire
2
: a severe test or experience
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