Find Synonyms
ordeal Synonyms
Another word for ordeal
Choosing another word for ordeal depends on context, so the 10 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 2 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
• noun (Context 1)
A painful, prolonged, or horrific experience that severely tests a person's endurance, patience, or character.
Usage Example
"The hikers were finally rescued after a three-day trial in the freezing mountain wilderness."
Strongest
trial
tribulation
Strong
nightmare
hardship
torment
adversity
crucible
affliction
calamity
• noun (Context 2)
An ancient or medieval judicial practice in which the guilt or innocence of an accused person was determined by subjecting them to a dangerous or painful physical test, such as holding red-hot iron or immersion in water, under the belief that divine intervention would protect the innocent.
Usage Example
"In the early Middle Ages, trial by judicium dei was gradually replaced by jury trials and formal legal testimony."
Strong
judicium dei
Opposites of ordeal
The opposite of ordeal shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:
pleasure
delight
comfort
breeze
walkover
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Ordeal. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/ordeal