Synonyms of attempting

attempting

verb

present participle of attempt

as in trying

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

• trying
• striving
• seeking
• endeavoring
• essaying
• assaying
• hoping
• shooting at
• struggling
• aiming
• having a go at
• working
• trying one's hand (at)
• toiling
• fighting
• undertaking
• troubling
• aspiring
• straining
• assuming
• taking up

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• dropping
• giving up
• quitting

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of attempting

Dumarce in 2019 was arrested by the Sacramento Police Department on suspicion of exposing himself to and then attempting to kidnap a 13-year-old girl outside of a Meadowview elementary school, according to previous Sacramento Bee reporting. — Margaret Baker, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2026

Miller has accused his ex-wife of attempting to frame him for abuse of her and their child. — Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026

And most importantly, can Miami finally win the Atlantic Coast Conference on its way to attempting to win a national championship? — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026

However, his feet did get heavy at times, especially when attempting to quickly adjust to inside counters. — Dane Brugler, New York Times, 30 July 2026

The escalation at the frontier between Spain and Morocco comes after a surge in migrants attempting to reach the small exclave, mainly by swimming, on Wednesday. — ABC News, 30 July 2026

Salgado Araujo was behind the wheel of the van the morning of July 7 when ICE said he was shot while attempting to evade arrest during a traffic stop. — Ashley Killough, CNN Money, 30 July 2026

In a blurred portion of the video, officers are shown attempting to provide medical care. — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 July 2026

Pro tips The biggest mistake beginners make with pencil eyeliner is attempting to draw one flawless, uninterrupted stroke from the inner corner to the outer corner. — Marci Robin, Allure, 24 July 2026