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try

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb try differ from other similar words?

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

When can attempt be used instead of try?

In some situations, the words attempt and try are roughly equivalent. However, attempt stresses the initiation or beginning of an effort.

will attempt to photograph the rare bird

Where would endeavor be a reasonable alternative to try?

The synonyms endeavor and try are sometimes interchangeable, but endeavor heightens the implications of exertion and difficulty.

endeavored to find crash survivors in the mountains

When is essay a more appropriate choice than try?

The words essay and try can be used in similar contexts, but essay implies difficulty but also suggests tentative trying or experimenting.

will essay a dramatic role for the first time

When is it sensible to use strive instead of try?

While the synonyms strive and try are close in meaning, strive implies great exertion against great difficulty and specifically suggests persistent effort.

continues to strive for peace

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 try
Verb
In The Housemaid, Millie (Sweeney) is trying to escape her past and accepts a job as a live-in housemaid for the wealthy Nina (Seyfried) and Andrew Winchester (Sklenar). Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 3 Sep. 2025 The Blazer For a subversive twist on office wear, with a hint of 90s attitude, try adding a leather blazer to your roster this fall. Christina Holevas, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
Appleton made an accurate cast and hooked the gator on his first try. Bob McNally, Outdoor Life, 3 Sep. 2025 Customization Features There are many customization features beyond virtual try-on. Jason Phillips, Freep.com, 28 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for try
Recent Examples of Synonyms for try
Verb
  • Crews are attempting to contain the fire on its active edge in the Long Meadow area.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2025
  • First responders were attempting to break up the fight between Farthing and another man, Kevin Rushing, when Farthing allegedly kicked a deputy in the face.
    Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The line often stretches out the door, a testament to the café’s reputation as one of Nashville’s most beloved no-frills eateries.
    Rai Mincey, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Shark nets were installed across 51 beaches in NSW, for the season starting September 1, across 51 beaches stretching around 140 miles from Newcastle to Wollongong, 9News reports.
    Laura Sharman, CNN Money, 7 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
  • This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The Ascent fought back against the defending league champion Tampa Bay Sun in a prime-time Gainbridge Super League matchup, thrilling an energetic Charlotte crowd on a night when kickoff was pushed back roughly 30 minutes due to thunderstorms.
    Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Many had anticipated Sand would seek the governorship, launching his bid for the seat almost exactly one month after Reynolds announced her retirement.
    Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Emilia Pérez Jacques Audiard's Emilia Pérez follows the titular Mexican cartel leader (Karla Sofía Gascón), who seeks a fresh start — and a new identity as a woman — with the help of a lawyer (Zoe Saldaña, in her Oscar-winning role).
    Jacqueline Weiss, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • All of the cats who tested this litter adjusted to it quickly and easily — some even had a little play date in their box, kicking and scratching, which is a good sign!
    Kayla Blanton, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
  • In the first inning as the Blue Jays wore down the Yankees by putting balls in play and fouling off pitches, Judge was tested for the first time on a single by Nathan Lukes.
    Larry Fleisher, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The 'why wall' In a room at Fort Jackson next to the paved outdoor area where trainees strain through sweaty workouts, one wall is covered in scribbled-on sticky notes.
    Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2025
  • The problem often develops from straining during bowel movements, with diet and weight playing a major role.
    Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The acting didn’t bother me, but the directing did.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2025
  • If the odds of winning the lottery are so low, why do people bother playing?
    Charles Trepany, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Try.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/try. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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