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
This new model, however, is not a solo endeavor. Ben Croll, Variety, 14 Oct. 2025 Sergio Hudson’s latest design endeavor is tied to the highway, not a runway. Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
Kalmia Rose is part of a larger, multi-year development endeavor that when complete will yield more than 1,500 affordable and market-rate housing units. Jeffrey Steele, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025 But organizers are also endeavoring to create more structured career pathways for PAs, who do not have many clear options for career advancement. Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for endeavor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for endeavor
Noun
  • On Sunday, Jeanty was stopped for a loss or no gain on four of his 10 runs against light boxes, and overall, the Las Vegas Raiders were stuffed 11 times on 29 attempts — the most of any team in a game this season.
    Vic Tafur, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Ongoing battle over Louisiana's congressional map The controversy grew out of Louisiana’s attempt to account for population shifts after the 2020 census.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • At the same time, Newcastle teams strive for victory.
    George Caulkin, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Managing the performance of the current car while working on the 2026 challenger is a tough balance that teams are striving to achieve, with some even ending the development of the current car.
    Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • But Delhi will continue to try to thread the needle between these concerns and its desire to forge closer regional partnerships at Pakistan’s expense.
    Happymon Jacob, Time, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Led by Zurich, played by Trevor Jackson, the group is pushed to their mental and physical limits while trying to maintain their grades, relationships, and sense of self.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • According to Edwards, Brooke deliberately portrayed Arabella as struggling to adapt to her new home and her Canadian identity.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 18 Oct. 2025
  • As the team struggles with grief, Sharon decides to pull Station 42 off active duty entirely, rather than assign a new captain.
    Alamin Yohannes, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • At 41 weeks, she was induced and labored for hours before doctors determined an emergency C-section was necessary.
    Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Already labored by national debt levels around double the European target, in September the French economy was downgraded by credit ratings agency Fitch.
    Saskya Vandoorne, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The organization has a partnership with the nonprofit Allbritton Journalism Institute, which sponsors a multi-year class of 20 fellows who work closely with professional journalists in the newsroom.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Now working for United Airlines as an avionics technician at Newark Liberty International Airport, repairing plane engines and electrical systems, the 25-year-old has already doubled her investment in the program and makes over six-figures.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Endeavor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/endeavor. Accessed 21 Oct. 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!