1
as in to stretch
to subject (a personal quality or faculty) to often excessive stress
you're trying my patience
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in to attempt
to make an effort to do
try to unlock the door will try to call later tonight
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to test
to put (something) to a test
want to try out my new skateboard? tried out his skill at archery
Synonyms & Similar Words
try one's hand (at)
5 of 5phrase
as in try
to make an effort to do
She decided to try her hand at at roller derby after discovering her love of skating.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 23 May 2025
Boldly trying new recipes for dinner though neither knows how to cook.
—Lauren Villagran, USA Today, 12 May 2025
Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 19 May 2025
The Westminster Christian alum, 49, winds up his famous right arm and one hands it, chucking in the bag in on the first try.
—Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 16 May 2025
Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2025
The Chiefs brought their draft picks, free-agent rookies and tryout hopefuls to Kansas City last weekend, nearly 90 of them in all.
—Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for try
Verb
The festival’s Un Certain Regard section featured two films by young actors trying their hand at directing full-length features for the first time.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 23 May 2025
Boldly trying new recipes for dinner though neither knows how to cook.
—Lauren Villagran, USA Today, 12 May 2025
Noun
Marchand had two assists and the empty-net goal in winning his fifth career Game 7 against Toronto in five tries.
—Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 19 May 2025
The Westminster Christian alum, 49, winds up his famous right arm and one hands it, chucking in the bag in on the first try.
—Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 16 May 2025
Noun
Harbaugh is doing away with most 11-on-11 periods during the three-day tryout period.
—Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2025
The Chiefs brought their draft picks, free-agent rookies and tryout hopefuls to Kansas City last weekend, nearly 90 of them in all.
—Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for try
Cite this Entry
“Try.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/try. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share