try for

phrasal 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
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.
In a highly unusual judicial proceeding at the Escambia County Courthouse the following year, Chavis and both of the King brothers were tried for the same crime — Terry’s murder. Liam Quinn, PEOPLE, 31 Jan. 2026 Malaki Branham scored 17 points off the bench for the Wizards (12-35), who were trying for their first three-game winning streak of the season but were on the second night of a back-to-back. Oc Register, 31 Jan. 2026 Grayson's attorneys submitted character letters on behalf of their client, and argued that the jury convicted Grayson on a lesser charge, as he was tried for first-degree murder, and that his life and livelihood have been severely impacted by the conviction. Shardaa Gray, CBS News, 29 Jan. 2026 Bonaly reached her leg back as if to try for a jump. Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 26 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for try for

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Try for.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/try%20for. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!