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

The Chiefs have a far more difficult remaining schedule (eighth hardest) than the Broncos do (27th), per DVOA data.

— Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 2 Nov. 2026
The hardest part is often matching the format to the problem rather than simply choosing what’s most convenient.

— Karen Koehler, Sacbee.com, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of hard

Verb

Watkins scored 11 points during a decisive third quarter in which USC outscored UNLV 31-10, stretching a 52-39 halftime lead to 83-49.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026
The National Weather Service temperature outlook for the next three months shows the likelihood of above-average temperatures stretching from the Pacific Northwest, through the Upper Midwest and right through the Northeast.

— Terry Eliasen, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of stretching

Verb

The Navy said that historically only about 35% of candidates attempting to join their ranks make it to graduation.

— James LaPorta, CBS News, 5 Nov. 2026
Now a federal grand jury has indicted Marisela Nuño, who is accused of attempting to defraud COVID-19 relief programs of about $18 million.

— Ruben Vives Follow, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of attempting

Adjective

With the balance of power in Tallahassee at stake, Miami’s Republican state senators fended off tough challenges Tuesday night, while Democratic candidates flipped several South Florida state House seats for the minority party in Florida’s capital.

— Miami Herald staff, Miami Herald, 4 Nov. 2026
Whoever wins the contest will be stepping into one of the California’s toughest political jobs.

— Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of tough

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

Why the ridiculous prices are worth it Bob Baffert grabs a water out of a nearby cooler to keep the searing heat and humidity at bay.

— Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2026
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

Definition of searing

Verb

An unaffordable dream While daily costs are straining people’s wallets, longer-term investments like housing are also forcing voters to make sacrifices.

— Alexandra Meier, NBC news, 3 Nov. 2026
By this point, the bubble of unspoken words between these two women is straining with tension.

— Katie Rife, IndieWire, 3 Nov. 2026