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Definitions

trial

[trahy-uhl, trahyl] / ˈtraɪ əl, traɪl /
ADJECTIVE
experimental
Synonyms
STRONGEST
exploratory preliminary
STRONG
balloon pilot test testing
WEAK
probationary provisional tentative
Antonyms
WEAK
definite known proven
NOUN
test
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 test run trial and error trial run
NOUN
legal proceeding
Synonyms
STRONGEST
action arraignment case contest hearing impeachment indictment lawsuit litigation prosecution suit tribunal
STRONG
citation claim counterclaim cross-examination rap seizure
WEAK
court action court martial habeas corpus
NOUN
trouble, big problem
Synonyms
STRONGEST
ordeal
STRONG
adversity affliction albatross anguish annoyance bane blow bother burden calvary care complication crucible difficulty distress drag grief hardship hassle heartbreak inconvenience irritation load misery misfortune nightmare nuisance pain pest plague rigor sorrow suffering thorn tribulation unhappiness vexation vicissitude visitation woe wretchedness
WEAK
cross to bear hard time pain in the neck severe test trying time
Antonyms
STRONG
advantage aid benefit blessing comfort convenience delight favor felicity fortune good fortune good luck help joy pleasure relief

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.

"At the moment, the development of new medicines is largely a question of trial and error."

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

Ideaya Biosciences shares surged after reporting positive trial results for its eye cancer therapy.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

Epstein died in a Manhattan federal jail while awaiting trial.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

OpenAI is currently in a legal battle with billionaire Elon Musk, who has accused the company of abandoning its nonprofit founding mission in a case that’s expected to head to trial.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

“I appreciate your concern, but we don’t have time to argue. Dad’s trial starts in...”

From "The Manifestor Prophecy" by Angie Thomas

Vocabulary lists containing trial

ACT Vocabulary List

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Word Generation Science - Preparing a Scientific Investigation

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Engineering - Introductory

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!