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

Additionally, a new study by the Trevor Project found that suicide attempts went up by more than seventy per cent in states where anti-trans bills were passed. —Grace Byron, New Yorker, 29 Apr. 2025

As an attempt to derive meaning from a meaningless phrase —which was, after all, the user's request—that's not half bad. —ArsTechnica, 29 Apr. 2025

Verb

Tap the Neighbors tab to view pictures and video of events in your neighborhood such as porch thefts, attempted break-ins, and acts of vandalism. —PC Magazine, 28 Apr. 2025

As usual, Ellie attempts to mask her feelings with sarcasm, but this doesn’t really work with Gail (who’s skilled at doing the same). —Keith Phipps, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2025