try for
verb
tried for; trying for; tries for
: to make an attempt or effort to get (something)
He tried for second place but finished third instead.
Examples of try for in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The project will be sited at the Oakland Bulk and Oversized Terminal, a decommissioned Army Base near the entrance of the Bay Bridge operated by developer Phil Tagami, who has been trying for years to turn it into a marine shipping terminal.
—
Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026
Romell Broom became the first 21st-century execution survivor when in 2009 the state of Ohio gave up after trying for two hours to find a usable vein in which to secure an IV line.
—Austin Sarat, The Conversation, 4 June 2026
After a touchdown, the team has the option of trying for a single extra point by scoring from the opposing team’s 5-yard line, or two points from the 10-yard line.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 June 2026
This season’s star player, trying for his first title with the Spurs, grew up in Le Chesnay.
—Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for try for
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026
Romell Broom became the first 21st-century execution survivor when in 2009 the state of Ohio gave up after trying for two hours to find a usable vein in which to secure an IV line.
—Austin Sarat, The Conversation, 4 June 2026
After a touchdown, the team has the option of trying for a single extra point by scoring from the opposing team’s 5-yard line, or two points from the 10-yard line.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 June 2026
This season’s star player, trying for his first title with the Spurs, grew up in Le Chesnay.
—Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for try for
Cite this Entry
“Try for.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/try%20for. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
