Synonyms of attempt

attempt 1 of 2

noun

1

as in try

an effort to do or accomplish something

it took several attempts before we made good ice cream with an old-fashioned hand-cranked ice cream freezer

Synonyms & Similar Words

• try
• stab
• go
• endeavor
• shot
• bid
• offer
• pass
• trial
• essay
• crack
• assay
• struggle
• bash
• whack
• fling
• undertaking
• whirl
• striving
• throes
• trial and error

2

as in attack

the act or action of setting upon with force or violence

several attempts on the life of the country's chief drug enforcement official

Synonyms & Similar Words

• attack
• raid
• strike
• assault
• onslaught
• offensive
• rush
• offense
• offence
• aggression
• onset
• bombardment
• blitzkrieg
• charge
• blitz
• counterattack
• invasion
• ambush
• descent
• incursion
• barrage
• coup de main
• bombing
• foray
• breakthrough
• siege
• sortie
• ambuscade
• counteroffensive
• sally
• pillage
• sack
• envelopment
• air raid
• volley
• counteraggression
• counterstrike
• hail
• ravage
• storm
• flanking
• counterassault
• salvo
• fusillade
• cannonade
• whammy

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• defense
• guard
• opposition
• resistance
• shield
• protection
• security
• defensive
• shelter

attempt

2 of 2

verb

ə-ˈtem(p)t 

as in to try

to make an effort to do

after attempting—and failing—to start the lawn mower on my own, I finally succeeded with a neighbor's help

don't even attempt walking on your broken foot

Synonyms & Similar Words

• try
• strive
• seek
• endeavor
• essay
• shoot for
• shoot at
• hope
• assay
• struggle
• aim
• work
• have a go at
• try one's hand (at)
• undertake
• fight
• trouble
• aspire
• toil
• assume
• take up
• strain

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• quit
• drop
• give up

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb attempt differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of attempt are endeavor, essay, strive, and try. While all these words mean "to make an effort to accomplish an end," attempt stresses the initiation or beginning of an effort.

will attempt to photograph the rare bird

When is it sensible to use endeavor instead of attempt?

The words endeavor and attempt can be used in similar contexts, but endeavor heightens the implications of exertion and difficulty.

endeavored to find crash survivors in the mountains

When could essay be used to replace attempt?

While in some cases nearly identical to attempt, essay implies difficulty but also suggests tentative trying or experimenting.

will essay a dramatic role for the first time

When might strive be a better fit than attempt?

The meanings of strive and attempt largely overlap; however, strive implies great exertion against great difficulty and specifically suggests persistent effort.

continues to strive for peace

How do try and attempt relate to one another?

Try is often close to attempt but may stress effort or experiment made in the hope of testing or proving something.

tried to determine which was the better procedure

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of attempt

Noun

That credible worry for Black artists over theft of their work is one of the themes of Roston’s piece, as is the question of whether neurodivergent artists are well-served by medication or whether the establishment’s attempt at normalization, so to speak, destroys their essence and their art. —Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 21 July 2025

Despite rescue attempts by beachgoers, first responders were unable to save him. —Doc Louallen, ABC News, 21 July 2025

Verb

After being notified by a Lowe’s employee, the man attempted to flee on foot, but he was quickly apprehended, police said. —Lauren-Kennedy Brown, Charlotte Observer, 20 July 2025

Trump could attempt to reverse every bit of this destruction tomorrow and a lot of damage would still be unavoidable. —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 20 July 2025