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 expansion is no small endeavor for the non-profit arthouse cinema that is currently fundraising for the project. Edda Leon, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2025 Despite moving on to other endeavors, the former WWE star's passion for the wrestling business remains undiminished. Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
After we are born, our parents and society endeavor to prepare us for life. Jan Wagner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Sep. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for endeavor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for endeavor
Noun
  • Such a slow start proved fatal to Yeovil, who went on to finish bottom of the table after being made to wait until October 26 for their first Huish Park victory at the seventh attempt.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Emerson was restrained by flight attendants and moved to the back of the plane, preventing any further attempts to sabotage the aircraft, per authorities.
    Maddie Garfinkle, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Sweet Vincent, written and directed by Ciara Boniface, centers a professional jazz musician reconciling with an old flame during a pivotal performance, both haunted by grief and striving for connection.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 23 Oct. 2025
  • The communique said Beijing will strive to improve people’s welfare and the social security system, but did not provide details on how Beijing intends to achieve that or where the funds would come from.
    Reuters, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • His low cross found Pascal Gross for a tap-in at the far post after Luke Shaw had been dragged central trying to cut off Adam Lallana.
    Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Then, one person had to dig out a hole in the sand under the cage to squeeze through and rebound shots from players trying to hit three balls into three baskets.
    Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In my experience, this is especially true in the lonely hours of the night while struggling with chronic pain.
    Joni Eareckson Tada, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
  • After an effort to create a Falls of the Ohio national park fell short in 1967, Kentucky and Indiana officials struggled to stop the falls from becoming a garbage dump.
    Leo Bertucci, Louisville Courier Journal, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In service jobs, Black workers labored as porters, chauffeurs, and servers; in manufacturing plants, white supremacist pseudoscience was harnessed to justify forcing Black workers to perform the most difficult and dangerous work.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2025
  • The Bears labored much of the rest of the evening.
    Jeff Faraudo, Mercury News, 18 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

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Cite this Entry

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

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