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

Kettling was popularized in the 1990s, when activists started using information technologies to outmaneuver police attempting to disperse their protests. — Sophie Landres, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026

Incumbent Derek Tran is attempting to win the district that centers around Little Saigon for a second consecutive time, a feat last accomplished within his party by former Democratic Congresswoman Katie Porter. — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

The ending’s weight comes from the huge scope of the Trask family’s grief, but even more, its emotional heft comes from how clearly this East of Eden sees Lee, the person who has always understood the things the Trasks are still attempting to learn. — Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026

An employee for the Department of Energy was charged with allegedly attempting to provide material support or resources to the Houthis, the Department of Justice announced on Thursday. — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 1 Oct. 2026

Netanyahu claimed a pilot on the FlyDubai flight had been arrested for allegedly stabbing his co-pilot and attempting to crash the airplane. — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2026

Stokes was previously involved in case in front of the Connecticut Supreme Court after prosecutors charged him with attempting to tamper with the jury in his second murder trial. — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 24 Sep. 2026

Emails attempting to reach the Bears and NFL for comment were not returned, and that's understandable. — Matt Calkins Outkick, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026

An investigation revealed the man was run over as a driver was attempting to kill two people, according to a warrant. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 23 Sep. 2026