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
The couple is accused of conspiring to murder Agarwal in an attempt to continue their romance. Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 29 June 2026 Elle is in high school when her parents relocated to Seattle, and the first season follows her attempts to find a path in the Pacific Northwest, helped along by her mother’s guidance. Seija Rankin, HollywoodReporter, 29 June 2026
Verb
Prosecutors say bond agents attempted to take Hildreth into custodyfor failing to comply with the conditions of his bond. Dejanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 26 June 2026 Security shut the gates into Hard Rock Stadium after crowds surged in, and law enforcement attempted to chase down fans who entered without tickets. Amaia Gavica, Miami Herald, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for attempt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attempt
Noun
  • Japan has not won a World Cup knockout-round game in four tries.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026
  • And no one can fake it (though many try).
    Adrienne LaFrance, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026
Noun
  • One of the dogs involved in the attack was later found in Los Angeles County and seized.
    Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
  • Two people were killed and seven others injured in Russian attacks on the northeastern Kharkiv region over the previous 24 hours, regional head Oleh Syniehubov said Friday.
    ABC News, ABC News, 26 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
  • Thursday’s raid was a part of the NYPD’s ongoing efforts to crack down on the city’s trade in bootleg merchandise, and follows five raids targeting vendors in Lower Manhattan between May 20 and June 12, cops said.
    Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 27 June 2026
  • Barely six months ago, US special forces seized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro from Caracas in a daring and deadly raid.
    Osmary Hernández, CNN Money, 27 June 2026
Noun
  • Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia’s position on Ukraine remains unchanged, insisting that Russian troops are continuing their front-line offensive.
    Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026
  • The move reflects the success of elite drone formations such as Rubicon, which helped blunt Ukraine's offensive into Russia's Kursk region by using drones to disrupt frontline logistics.
    David Kirichenko, Forbes.com, 29 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 1 Jul. 2026.

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