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

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

And catcher Carter Jensen threw out James Outman, who was attempting to steal second in the fifth. — Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026

Two members of an Orange County street gang were found guilty of murdering a man while attempting to carry out an armed robbery under the direction of the Mexican Mafia, authorities said. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026

Davidson is accused of attempting to steal 10 THC vape pens from Liles and threatening the use of a firearm, according to court records. — Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 23 July 2026

That blockade extends to vessels of any origin attempting to dock at a Saudi port. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 23 July 2026

The latest spike follows a drone and missile attack on two Saudi oil tankers attempting to cross the Bab Al-Mandeb strait—a key choke point that connects the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean. — Siladitya Ray, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

La Roja will dominate the game, attempting to pass Argentina to death and looking to capitalize on any slips of concentration. — Ben Church, CNN Money, 16 July 2026

Chicas was attempting to turn when Gresham’s Chrysler 300 collided with her vehicle, police said. — Diamy Wang, Charlotte Observer, 16 July 2026