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
Trump himself appears to be unaware of Drake and the rapper’s ordeal over the past few years, including his beef with Kendrick Lamar.
—
Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 15 May 2026
Fixing it became a full-scale operation that included contacting every homeowner directly, followed by replacements and a years-long ordeal.
—Rick Tollakson, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
Pimental also credits current and former Heat players for helping him throughout his ongoing ordeal.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 15 May 2026
Her ordeal [after her first breast cancer diagnosis] became an ordeal for him as well.
—Janine Rubenstein, PEOPLE, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for ordeal
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Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 15 May 2026
Fixing it became a full-scale operation that included contacting every homeowner directly, followed by replacements and a years-long ordeal.
—Rick Tollakson, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
Pimental also credits current and former Heat players for helping him throughout his ongoing ordeal.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 15 May 2026
Her ordeal [after her first breast cancer diagnosis] became an ordeal for him as well.
—Janine Rubenstein, PEOPLE, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for ordeal
Cite this Entry
“Ordeal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ordeal. Accessed 20 May. 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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