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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
Missouri lawmakers also tried and failed to pass a similar kratom consumer protection act in 2025. David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 24 Sep. 2025 Lagway takes the snap from the shotgun and once again hands off to Baugh, who tries to attack uphill from the middle. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2025
Noun
Harrison Butker, who connected on his first two field goals, missed his third try, a 40-yarder. The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 22 Sep. 2025 Well, a couple of Tesla owners appear to have given it a try, with a plan to drive a Model Y from Los Angeles to Jacksonville, Florida, operating under FSD the entire way. Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 22 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for try
Recent Examples of Synonyms for try
Verb
  • Gymnastics officials did not reveal which element Al Bari was attempting when the incident occurred.
    Victoria Beaule, ABC News, 26 Sep. 2025
  • McIver was arrested on charges of assaulting a federal officer while attempting to enter.
    Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Crystal Palace are now 17 games unbeaten in all competitions after Saturday’s 2-1 win at West Ham United, a sequence that stretches back to April and includes Wembley wins over Manchester City in last season’s FA Cup final and Liverpool, on penalties, in this year’s Community Shield.
    Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 21 Sep. 2025
  • Police tape stretching across a road in front of a crime scene.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • When Volume One of the forecast was released for 2024, the paint brand strived to frame its collection as objectively as possible.
    Tim Nelson, Architectural Digest, 24 Sep. 2025
  • The true story of Spain’s cricket team striving to qualify for the Olympics, uniting diverse communities through a sport largely unknown in Spain.
    Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 24 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Speaking in Rhode Island, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said that signs of labor market weakness had pushed policymakers to shift their balance of risks in a way that justified a rate cut this month.
    Benzinga, Freep.com, 27 Sep. 2025
  • 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, 27 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Many began seeking alternatives outside the traditional system, and policymakers—particularly in Republican-leaning states—intensified efforts to expand school choice programs.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Magdalene Serenity House received inquiries from 190 women seeking a safe place to heal, recover and rebuild in 2024 with 117 meeting the group's eligibility requirements, organizers say.
    Carin Schoppmeyer, Arkansas Online, 28 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The Sagittarius moon tests your ability to allow deeper connections to form.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 28 Sep. 2025
  • The fun begins as the other housewives arrive, unaware that the studio has decided to stage a role-playing scenario to test their readiness.
    Peter Larsen, Oc Register, 27 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Prioritizing your professional ambitions can strain your closest relationships today.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice, and give it a long hard shake, 10 to 12 seconds, before straining either up into a coupe or over fresh ice in a rocks glass.
    Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 27 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Finney's younger sister Gwen (Madeleine McGraw) is bothered by nightmarish visions of an alpine camp, and the siblings investigate only to discover that the Grabber has found a way to torture from the other side.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 25 Sep. 2025
  • Common Pests and Problems Hardy cyclamen planted in ground are rarely bothered by pests.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 24 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Try.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/try. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

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