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

The nineteenth century saw authors in other countries (Germany, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, Norway) attempting to firm up their nationalist claims by ransacking popular ballads, rustic legends, and oral traditions. — Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026

Hong KongReuters — A Hong Kong court convicted Dow Jones, the publisher of the Wall Street Journal, on Thursday of attempting to block a former reporter from becoming the head of a press union, but cleared it of unlawfully firing her. — CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2026

The Giants had been 0-6 when attempting to complete a three-game sweep and were well on their way to squandering another chance Wednesday after a series of misplays and mistakes awarded the Cardinals a comfortable lead. — Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026

While attempting to navigate the estate’s unforgiving world alongside his cousin Caleb (played by Khan), Younger is drawn into the orbit of local drug lord Anton (played by Bokinni). — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 10 Sep. 2026

There was no reason for photographer Tom Franklin to think his photo of firefighters attempting to raise the American flag would become anything more than one photograph among the hundreds taken at Ground Zero that day. — Mallorie Sullivan, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026

When Kirk returns to the bridge, Reeger catches him in the act of attempting to send a message about Reeger’s plan and seeking permission to relieve him of duty. — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2026

Videos online showed workers on the ship attempting to put out the fire. — CBS News, 10 Sep. 2026

There have been some limited cases in which noncitizens have been criminally charged for voting or attempting to vote, including in Michigan, but it's been rare and not thought to have altered the outcome of any elections. — Todd Spangler, Freep.com, 4 Sep. 2026