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Definitions

put through the wringer

VERB
ask
Synonyms
STRONGEST
challenge demand inquire quiz request
STRONG
buzz canvass catechize direct enjoin examine grill hit institute interrogate investigate needle pump query roast sweat
WEAK
cross-examine give the third degree go over hunt for pick one's brains pop the question pry into put the screws to
Antonyms
STRONGEST
answer reply
STRONG
ignore
WEAK
claim command disinvite insist repudiate tell
VERB
browbeat
Synonyms
STRONGEST
badger bully coerce harass hector intimidate lean on oppress
STRONG
bludgeon bluster bulldoze cow domineer dragoon frighten overawe overbear threaten tyrannize
WEAK
despotize lord it over put heat on put the chill on
Antonyms
STRONGEST
aid assist help leave alone
WEAK
boost coax compliment praise
VERB
debrief
Synonyms
STRONGEST
interrogate
STRONG
examine grill interview investigate probe quiz
WEAK
ask questions cross-examine gather intelligence give the third degree work over
Antonyms
STRONG
answer
VERB
examine
Synonyms
STRONGEST
check measure try
STRONG
catechize experiment grill inquire interrogate judge pump query quiz weigh
WEAK
cross-examine give the third give the third degree try out
Antonyms
STRONG
answer reply
VERB
interrogate
Synonyms
STRONGEST
examine grill investigate query quiz
STRONG
catechize inquire pump question roast
WEAK
cross-examine cross-question give the third degree go over put the screws to sweat out work over
Antonyms
STRONGEST
answer reply
VERB
question
Synonyms
STRONGEST
challenge examine grill interrogate interview investigate query quiz search seek
STRONG
catechize enquire hit inquire petition probe pry pump quest solicit
WEAK
ask about cross-examine give the third degree go over hit up hold out for make inquiry pick one's brains put to the question raise question show curiosity sound out sweat it out of work over
Antonyms
STRONGEST
answer reply

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Jofra Archer sat proudly by the Lord's boundary edge as a crowd that had been put through the wringer ebbed away.

From BBC • Jul. 14, 2025

On the topic of Riley, Not since a pre-teen Linda Blair has a young actor been put through the wringer of possession as Joe Bird as Riley is here.

From Salon • Aug. 5, 2023

In Amazon’s Packaging Innovation Lab — a 10,000-square-foot facility in a complex of Amazon buildings in Sumner — packages are put through the wringer.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 11, 2023

Actors could seem put through the wringer without seeming wrung out.

From New York Times • Feb. 8, 2022

See that the starch is evenly distributed, press out as much as possible with the hands, put through the wringer, shake out all creases, and pin evenly on the line.

From The Complete Home by Laughlin, Clara E. (Clara Elizabeth)

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.