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

In a highly unusual move, the US Justice Department has urged a federalcourt to throw out a lawsuit against Elon Musk’s company xAI for its use of polluting gas turbines — sparking concerns the government is trying to undermine the ability of individuals or communities to sue polluters. —

Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 17 June 2026 Hurt gave up two more hits, recording his only out when Jake Mangum was thrown out trying to steal third. —

Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for trying

Recent Examples of Synonyms for trying

Adjective

All these years, the stigma stuck no matter how hard the family fought to change the narrative.

— Yumi Asada, CNN Money, 13 June 2026
In lieu of hard liquor, the winner of each round got a blast from a Champagne squirt gun into their mouth.

— Danielle Dorsey, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026