| Rating | Solver | Clue |
|---|---|---|
| ORDEAL | Severe test | |
| SEVERE | Difficult to be endured; exact; critical; rigorous; as, a severe test. | |
| CRUCIAL | Severe; trying or searching, as if bringing to the cross; decisive; as, a crucial test. | |
| CRUCIBLE | A test of the most decisive kind; a severe trial; as, the crucible of affliction. | |
| TRY | To subject to severe trial; to put to the test; to cause suffering or trouble to. | |