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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
The fear of being cringe or dating someone who is cringe can be a real barrier to connection, the one thing most daters are trying to find. Myisha Battle, Time, 29 Apr. 2025 Some do this to lower their caffeine intake, some are looking to avoid digestive upset, and some are just trying to shake up their routines. Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 Apr. 2025
Noun
Second-year star Jung Hoo Lee has three multi-hit tries in his last five. Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025 That mentality is on full display in the plot of Smash, in which the creative team of a musical tries to right a sinking ship. Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for try
Recent Examples of Synonyms for try
Verb
  • Bade Boutique Hotel Bade Boutique Hotel is one of the best options for budget travelers looking to stretch their dollar as far as possible.
    Kaitlyn McInnis, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • In this region, sprawling channel networks stretch from the highlands and drain into ancient lakes — possibly even an ocean.
    Victoria Corless, Space.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • As usual, Ellie attempts to mask her feelings with sarcasm, but this doesn’t really work with Gail (who’s skilled at doing the same).
    Keith Phipps, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Tap the Neighbors tab to view pictures and video of events in your neighborhood such as porch thefts, attempted break-ins, and acts of vandalism.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 28 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • And after a Herro turnover, Sam Merrill hit a three to push Cleveland’s lead back to double figures, at 102-90, with 6:29 left.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Recent results have seen Newcastle United, Manchester City and Chelsea climb above them, pushing Nuno’s side, who are not in action again until a Monday night visit to Tottenham Hotspur, down to sixth, only ahead of Aston Villa on goal difference.
    Paul Taylor, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • There is something about the energy, the belief and people striving to achieve the same thing — things happen.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Growing Global Demand For Automation Companies from different industries are striving to increase efficiency, reduce costs and solve the problem of labor shortages.
    Anton Alikov, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • His efforts to test and strengthen software code recovered hundreds of thousands of dollars stolen by hackers, tracked illicit funds to prevent money laundering from working effectively, and helped law enforcement reduce cybercrime.
    Matt Emma, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
  • The 33-year-old mom praised the staff for being proactive in testing the cyst, which was found to be benign.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The administration is also seeking relief from having to file daily updates on its progress.
    Ben Finley, Baltimore Sun, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Two weeks ago a few leading manufacturers made an appeal to President Donald Trump seeking exemption for the bridal industry but there has been no response yet.
    Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The psychological tension deepens as Elisa and her husband Fred are scrutinized by law enforcement and media, their family strained by mounting secrets.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Meanwhile, Hempstead noted that those who lose coverage due to work requirements would strain hospital systems, as uninsured people seek health care through other means, such as the emergency room or through charity care.
    Danielle J. Brown, Baltimore Sun, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Scarlett Johansson's Black Widow was popular enough that fans wanted a solo story, but the studio didn't bother to make it until her character was already dead in the major timeline, then skipped the theatrical release, which Johansson sued them about.
    Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The Mavericks defeated the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night in Sacramento, 120-106; the Mavs led by more than 20 points in the first half, and the Kings never bothered to muster much of a run to make this interesting.
    Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Try.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/try. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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