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Definitions

test run

[test ruhn] / ˈtɛst ˌrʌn /
NOUN
dry run
Synonyms
STRONGEST
dress rehearsal tryout
WEAK
bench test combat rehearsal dummy run kriegspiel maneuver maneuvers practical test practice exercise practice run rehearsal road test run through test performance trial trial run war game
NOUN
trial
Synonyms
STRONGEST
effort examination experiment investigation probation struggle testing
STRONG
analysis assay attempt audition check crack endeavor essay experience experimentation fling go hassle lick proof shakedown shot showcase stab striving try tryout undertaking venture whack workout
WEAK
R and D dry run research and development trial and error trial run

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.

Allen had a test run on her infant’s gut microbiome—the collection of bacteria and other microorganisms that inhabit the digestive tract.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 3, 2026

Your early 60s is a test run for retirement, U.S.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 11, 2025

Instead, it’s a test run for everything that will happen next year.

From Slate • Dec. 2, 2025

The pair had a test run last year, when they travelled 1,500 kilometres on kite skis in Greenland for a month in June/July, collecting ice samples.

From Barron's • Nov. 1, 2025

If it works for someone as friendly as him, I might as well give it a test run.

From "Better Nate Than Ever" by Tim Federle

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