TRYING Synonyms: 139 Similar and Opposite Words

trying 1 of 2

adjective

ˈtrī-iŋ

Definition of trying

as in hard

difficult to endure a harrowing account of the trying conditions experienced by the climbers before they were rescued

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

trying

2 of 2

verb

present participle of try

as in stretching

to subject (a personal quality or faculty) to often excessive stress you're trying my patience

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in attempting

to make an effort to do try to unlock the door will try to call later tonight

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 trying

Adjective

When your spouse passes away, this can be a very trying and confusing time. — Thomas Hager, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025 Jax is in the middle of his most trying experience since his rookie season. — Dan Hayes, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2025

Verb

Monitoring for signs that someone may be trying to transfer your phone number or take control of your mobile account. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026 Displaced Filmmakers Need More Than a Platform War and displacement continue to shape filmmaking across the Arab world, affecting not only the stories reaching screens but the filmmakers trying to build careers. — Essie Assibu, Variety, 24 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for trying

Recent Examples of Synonyms for trying

Adjective

In a century where the lives of billions are defined by chronic disease, demographic change, and digital systems, China has become one of the central proving grounds for some of the hardest issues in global health.

— Ruby Wang, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2026
Next year's public spending review — when the government sets future budgets for departments and public services — could be even harder for lawmakers who appear averse to any cuts.

— Ian King, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of hard

Verb

Like several other important fossils previously sold at auction, Jodi comes from Hell Creek Formation, a geological boneyard stretching across Montana, Wyoming and the Dakotas.

— Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 27 Oct. 2026
He was noticed stretching on the sideline and trying to keep his back loose with trainers, but to no avail.

— Scott Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of stretching

Verb

Everything has unintended consequences, and attempting to capture these trade-offs across the whole ecosystem — much of which sits outside of a brand’s control — would paralyze even the most proactive nature lead.

— Bella Webb, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026
Soliman pleaded guilty to nine federal counts of hate crimes, including one resulting in Diamond’s death and eight for attempting to kill other demonstrators.

— Thomas Peipert, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of attempting

Verb

These higher-than-usual high tides are supercharged by winds blowing onshore, pushing more seawater on land.

— Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 27 Oct. 2026
For Jeffries to get a chance to take the speaker’s gavel, Democrats must attain a net gain of three seats, pushing their numbers to at least 218 -- a simple majority.

— ABC News, ABC News, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of pushing

Verb

Filmed largely on the doctors’ phones, the film offers an intimate account of the people striving to preserve life amid a devastating humanitarian crisis.

— Leo Barraclough, Variety, 19 Oct. 2026
And those striving for zest under these circumstances may benefit from assistance from a mental health professional like a psychologist, a physical health provider like a physician, or a personal trainer or fitness instructor.

— Joan M. Cook, Time, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of striving

Adjective

Interviews are supplemented with archival clips of Perry’s screen work and interviews, and some of the show’s most searing material is conveyed in the actor’s own (previously recorded and publicized) voice.

— Alison Herman, Variety, 27 Oct. 2026
The result of hours of chopping, searing, and mixing is our second annual Gear of the Year list.

— Editors of Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of searing

Verb

The resulting wars in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran, along with settler violence in the occupied West Bank, have stoked worldwide outrage, straining ties with Israel's closest allies and fueling a rise in antisemitism.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 28 Oct. 2026
The resulting wars in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran, along with settler violence in the occupied West Bank, have stoked worldwide outrage, straining ties with Israel’s closest allies and fueling a rise in antisemitism.

— Tia Goldenberg, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026