Synonyms for
Ordeal
Definition
a difficult or painful experience, especially one that lasts for a long time
Synonyms & similar words
Synonyms by register
Formal
Informal
Antonyms
Common collocations
- difficult ordeal
- terrible ordeal
- traumatic ordeal
- ordeal by fire
- undergo an ordeal
- survive an ordeal
- face an ordeal
Word family
Usage note
An ordeal refers to a difficult or painful experience. It often implies a test of one's endurance or character. It is typically used for significant challenges rather than minor inconveniences.
Compare "ordeal" with another word →
Example sentences
- The surgery was an ordeal for the patient.
- Going through a divorce can be an emotional ordeal.
- The hiker's ordeal lasted for three days without food or water.
- Getting lost in a foreign city was an ordeal for the tourist.
- The survivors of the shipwreck retold their ordeal to the rescue team.
Quotes
The ordeal can be a path to self-discovery and empowerment. - Laura Ramirez
Adversity is sometimes hard upon a man; but for one man who can stand prosperity, there are a hundred that will stand adversity. - Elvis Presley
The ordeal of virtue is to resist all temptation to evil. - Thomas Aquinas