attempt 1 of 2

Definition of attemptnext

attempt

2 of 2

verb

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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.
Recent Examples of attempt
Noun
Indigenous groups protested the last time Mount Rushmore hosted a fireworks display, and former President Joe Biden's administration rejected subsequent attempts to have fireworks at the national monument. Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 25 June 2026 Even its occasional attempts at campy tongue-in-cheekiness seldom raise more than a titter. Arthur Knight, HollywoodReporter, 25 June 2026
Verb
Although our modern fights are different, many of the same underlying issues remain — entrenched biases, efforts to limit women’s roles and rights, attacks on women’s autonomy, and attempts to raise doubts on women’s abilities, especially those of Black women. Jocelyn Frye, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 June 2026 Police officers arrived and attempted to save Arguelles, who died at the scene. Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for attempt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attempt
Noun
  • After stealing 16 bases in 19 tries in ‘24, Merrill was 1-for-3 in steal attempts in his first 44 games last season.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 June 2026
  • The Hurricanes scored 113 tries in 17 matches in 2026 and finished as the first team in Super Rugby's 30-year history to score more than 100 tries in a season.
    ABC News, ABC News, 20 June 2026
Noun
  • The Kerch road and rail crossing, opened by Putin in 2018, has been the target of previous Ukrainian attacks.
    Gianluca Mezzofiore, CNN Money, 20 June 2026
  • Two other individuals survived that attack, the military said.
    Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • Born in Brooklyn, NY, on April 4, 1932, Davis was a striving student who attended New York University on a full scholarship, and graduated magna cum laude.
    Chris Morris, Variety, 22 June 2026
  • Nolan seems to be striving for geographic realism interspersed with violent and fantastic episodes.
    David Denby, New Yorker, 21 June 2026
Noun
  • Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher said an examination found no evidence of traumatic injury, including bruising, lacerations, gunshot wounds, stab wounds, blunt force trauma, strangulation or other external injuries.
    Phil Helsel, NBC news, 22 June 2026
  • This question stabs at the heart of the culture war that is currently raging in America.
    Dr. Matthew Warshauer, Hartford Courant, 17 June 2026
Noun
  • According to Holtz, Whittingham was charged with murder, first-degree assault, first-degree assault on an elderly person and home invasion.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 22 June 2026
  • Atanas Hristev, 44, pleaded guilty to second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon late last month, according to court records.
    WCCO Staff, CBS News, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • Trump’s immigration team vows that more raids are forthcoming.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
  • Authorities say Wednesday night's raid is part of a longer-term plan with more operations expected in the weeks ahead, before a third phase, which will focus on getting people who are struggling with addiction into treatment.
    Amanda Starrantino, CBS News, 18 June 2026
Noun
  • Tech companies have turned on the charm offensive in a bid to turn the tide.
    Tristan Bove, Fortune, 22 June 2026
  • At the heart of the battle will be Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint) and his fleet, fighting to repel the offensive led by Tyland Lannister (Jefferson Hall) and the forces of the Triarchy.
    Francesca Pellegrini, Vanity Fair, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • Kim previously hailed the development of the Choe Hyon as a major step toward expanding the operational reach and preemptive strike capabilities of North Korea's military.
    Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 24 June 2026
  • After Abbosbek Fayzullaev won the ball back for Uzbekistan near the top of the box, Azizjon Ganiev unleashed an incredible strike that briefly made this a 2-1 game.
    Monica Alba, NBC news, 24 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Attempt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attempt. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.

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