endeavor 1 of 2

as in attempt
an effort to do or accomplish something the hope that this latest endeavor will yield much information about the atmosphere of the planet

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

endeavor

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb endeavor differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of endeavor are attempt, essay, strive, and try. While all these words mean "to make an effort to accomplish an end," endeavor heightens the implications of exertion and difficulty.

endeavored to find crash survivors in the mountains

Where would attempt be a reasonable alternative to endeavor?

The synonyms attempt and endeavor are sometimes interchangeable, but attempt stresses the initiation or beginning of an effort.

will attempt to photograph the rare bird

When might essay be a better fit than endeavor?

Although the words essay and endeavor have much in common, essay implies difficulty but also suggests tentative trying or experimenting.

will essay a dramatic role for the first time

In what contexts can strive take the place of endeavor?

The meanings of strive and endeavor 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, in the sense of endeavor?

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 endeavor
Noun
Investing further in a program facing such challenges, especially with the considerable expense of the Artemis III launch, appears to be nothing more than a jobs program and is clearly a wasteful endeavor. Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 May 2025 Knowable Magazine is an independent journalistic endeavor from Annual Reviews. Katarina Zimmer, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 May 2025
Verb
Responding to the Punchbowl article, Leavitt said consumers should endeavor to buy products made in the U.S. Joe Hernandez, NPR, 29 Apr. 2025 In some of the grandest churches, Caravaggio endeavored to bring the saints and the angels down from the heavens to earth. Jason Farago, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for endeavor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for endeavor
Noun
  • His attempt to turn the briefing into a public-relations coup—and to trade on his reputation as a deft negotiator has collapsed.
    Sizwe Mpofu Walsh, Time, 23 May 2025
  • An attempt to streamline that story line would render Elden Ring not unlike Game of Thrones: a dark, twisted fantasy narrative where death rules over all.
    Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • What Thornton is striving toward, an embrace of generosity, of humanity being able to change what faith and religion even mean, is often moving.
    Ella Kemp, IndieWire, 23 May 2025
  • Businesses should be able to write off the full expense of their capital investments in the year they are made, and the Senate should strive to cut spending elsewhere to balance out the revenue losses from making bonus depreciation permanent.
    The Editors, National Review, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • Two years later, he was tried again and found guilty of felony murder and second-degree kidnapping.
    Emily Blackwood, People.com, 24 May 2025
  • The festival’s Un Certain Regard section featured two films by young actors trying their hand at directing full-length features for the first time.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • While many companies have struggled to define their policies, bouncing between strict return-to-office mandates and hybrid compromises, Logitech has taken a different path.
    Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • From dropout to overachiever For most of her life, Mui struggled to fit into society’s mold.
    Ernestine Siu, CNBC, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • Brightline has labored to increase ridership along its 170-mile extension to Orlando from West Palm Beach.
    David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 20 May 2025
  • Each creator contributed immensely to American art and culture, while laboring in an industry that, until recently, produced very little financial rewards or respect.
    Rob Salkowitz, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • Truman graduated from Texas Tech six months ago and now works for the Texas Senate under Senator Brian Birdwell on the border security committee.
    Angel Saunders, People.com, 20 May 2025
  • The job demanded long hours on my feet and working with my hands.
    Health, Health, 20 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Endeavor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/endeavor. Accessed 27 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on endeavor

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!