Tribulation — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˌtri-byə-ˈlā-shən/ trib·u·la·tion

Meaning & Definition of Tribulation

Tribulation (noun)

  1. distress or suffering resulting from oppression or persecution; also, a trying experience

Tribulation (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a state of great suffering of body or mind

    "a documentary chronicling the lasting tribulation of Holocaust survivors"

    similar: affliction, agony, anguish, distress, excruciation, hurt, misery, pain, rack, strait(s), torment, torture, travail, woe
    related: discomfort, cross, crucible, trial, heartache, heartbreak, joylessness, sadness, sorrow, unhappiness, emergency, pinch, asperity, difficulty, hardship, rigor, ache, pang, smarting, soreness, stitch, throe, twinge, danger, jeopardy, trouble
    near: comfort, consolation, solace, alleviation, assuagement, ease, relief, peace, security, well-being

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Tribulation

The most common words with a similar meaning to Tribulation:

affliction, agony, anguish, distress, excruciation, hurt, misery, pain, rack, strait(s), torment, torture, travail, woe

Related Words for Tribulation

discomfort, cross, crucible, trial, heartache, heartbreak, joylessness, sadness, sorrow, unhappiness, emergency, pinch, asperity, difficulty, hardship, rigor, ache, pang, smarting, soreness, stitch, throe, twinge, danger, jeopardy, trouble

Near Antonyms of Tribulation

comfort, consolation, solace, alleviation, assuagement, ease, relief, peace, security, well-being

Origin & Etymology of Tribulation

Middle English tribulacioun, borrowed from Anglo-French & Late Latin; Anglo-French tribulacion, borrowed from Late Latin trībulātiōn-, trībulātiō, from trībulāre "to torment, afflict" (going back to Latin, "to press, squeeze") + Latin -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action; trībulāre, derivative of trībulum "threshing board (board with flint or iron teeth dragged across harvested grain to separate seeds from straw)," from trī- (base of trītum, trīvī, past participle and perfect of terere "to rub, grind, wear down") + -bulum, suffix of instruments (going back to Indo-European *-dhlom) trite

First known use: 13th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Tribulation

What does "Tribulation" mean?

"Tribulation" means distress or suffering resulting from oppression or persecution; also, a trying experience. As a noun, it is defined as: distress or suffering resulting from oppression or persecution; also, a trying experience.

What is another word for "Tribulation"?

Other words for "Tribulation" include affliction, agony, anguish, distress, excruciation, hurt, misery and pain. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Tribulation" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Tribulation"?

There are 40 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Tribulation". Common alternatives include affliction, agony, anguish, distress, excruciation, hurt, misery, pain, rack and strait(s).

How do you use "Tribulation" in a sentence?

Examples of "Tribulation" in a sentence: "a documentary chronicling the lasting tribulation of Holocaust survivors".

Is "Tribulation" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Tribulation" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Tribulation"?

"Tribulation" is pronounced /ˌtri-byə-ˈlā-shən/ and divided into syllables as trib·u·la·tion.

What is the origin of the word "Tribulation"?

"Tribulation" comes from Middle English tribulacioun, borrowed from Anglo-French & Late Latin; Anglo-French tribulacion, borrowed from Late Latin trībulātiōn-, trībulātiō, from trībulāre "to torment, afflict" (going back to Latin, "to press, squeeze") + Latin -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action; trībulāre, derivative of trībulum "threshing board (board with flint or iron teeth dragged across harvested grain to separate seeds from straw)," from trī- (base of trītum, trīvī, past participle and perfect of terere "to rub, grind, wear down") + -bulum, suffix of instruments (going back to Indo-European *-dhlom) trite. First known use: 13th century.

What is another word for "Tribulation" meaning "a state of great suffering of body or mind"?

When "Tribulation" (noun) means a state of great suffering of body or mind, synonyms include affliction, agony, anguish, distress, excruciation and hurt.