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

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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
The leader of each country’s delegation should be deemed an ambassador, or have a title and organizational stature commensurate with the scope and complexity of the endeavor. Gary Roughead, Foreign Affairs, 2 Sep. 2025 His latest endeavor was leading and organizing 174 skydivers in an attempt to break a world record for head-down formation skydiving. Angelina Liu, People.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Verb
Beatrice is also the proud new patron of Borne, a medical research charity endeavoring to end premature birth. Janine Henni, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025 Leighton said that’s exactly the kind of etiquette slight people need to endeavor to avoid. Zach Wichter, USA Today, 23 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for endeavor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for endeavor
Noun
  • After the FanDuel announcement, the court found that SEPTA's attempt to implement planned service cuts during Thursday's Eagles game was a violation of the August 29 court order, a claim that SEPTA disputes.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Watch his sumo wrestling attempt in the video at the top of the story.
    Jonathan Limehouse, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Now retired, Andra loved her job working for the federal government and strives to make a difference in the world around her.
    Liza Esquibias, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Businesses are striving to do more with less, cutting entry-level roles and striving for AI automation to save on headcount costs.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Schiffer said Meghan had been too risk averse in the first two seasons, but could try to pitch a slightly different concept for a third season that pushed the boundaries far more.
    Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
  • His analysis of Paqueta’s performances in the four games under scrutiny was that his fouls were simply typical of an attacking midfielder trying — not very successfully — to help his team defensively.
    Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • After struggling in the first half, running back Jerrod Wiley got loose on an untouched 69-yard touchdown run on the first play of the next drive to put Heritage back up two scores at 30-21.
    Jordan Neal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Sep. 2025
  • An ugly sweep at the hands of the Pittsburgh Pirates sunk their struggling offense to new depths and at least temporarily removed Will Smith from the equation.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Some of the works would be labored over and over and over again.
    Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Aug. 2025
  • During that season Clark was laboring to teach all his defensive linemen a new technique to use, and players would have to film themselves working on it, and send it into the coaches.
    Omar Kelly August 23, Miami Herald, 23 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • How do these different agencies work together?
    Kristen Edgreen Kaufman, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The mixer's bowl boasts a distinctive walnut shade and wood grain pattern, and its food-safe seal means the bowl works hard (and looks good doing it).
    Ella Field, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Endeavor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/endeavor. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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