TRYING Synonyms: 139 Similar and Opposite Words

trying 1 of 2

adjective

ˈtrī-iŋ

Definition of trying next

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

Now, as a father of two, the actor and environmentalist is trying to lead by example and pass down his values to his children. —

Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 6 May 2026 The videogame shows the perspective of the landslide and tsunami wave from the point of view of someone riding a jet ski — trying to outrun a towering wall of water before quickly being overwhelmed by it. —

Ella Nilsen, CNN Money, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for trying

Recent Examples of Synonyms for trying

Adjective

San Diego is still young, especially in the back, and is learning hard MLS lessons in real time.

— Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2026
It’s often been hard to be a local sports fan in Connecticut.

— P.R. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 9 May 2026