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

Video of the incident shows Henderson trying to climb back over the advertising barriers, tripping, and landing hard on his wrist. — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 6 July 2026 The Braves are still trying to wiggle out of a mid-season rut, and have shaved their lead in the NL East to just three games ahead of the Phillies. — Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for trying

Recent Examples of Synonyms for trying

Adjective

Not long afterward, he was elected president on a platform deeply hostile to the West and its liberal ideology, and especially to the United States — threatening a hard fight in the event of war.

— Xiaoqian Lin, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
That’s hard to imagine of a president who uses the office to promote and prosper from his own brand name.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026

Definition of hard

Verb

The order covers the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument, stretching over Palmyra and Johnston atolls and Kingman Reef, among others.

— Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
The Gobi Desert is a vast, cold semi-arid and arid expanse stretching across 500,000 square miles of Mongolia and northern China.

— Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

Definition of stretching

Verb

Salgado Araujo, the department added, was shot after disregarding orders and attempting to ram an agent, who fired his weapon in self-defense.

— María Verza, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
Lively also accused Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios of attempting to orchestrate a smear campaign against her, allegations Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios have denied.

— ABC News, ABC News, 9 July 2026

Definition of attempting

Adjective

The talks are meant to focus on the toughest matters, including fully reopening the strait and rolling back Tehran’s disputed nuclear program.

— Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
Patrick Cantlay made a little noise in an otherwise quiet year for the American with five birdies in 10 holes and then a collection of tough par saves at the end that felt just as valuable.

— ABC News, ABC News, 9 July 2026

Definition of tough

Verb

More than 200 people were turned away at the door as the venue reached capacity, with several dozen protesters briefly pushing past security and forcing entry into the room.

— Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
The combination of rising demand, tighter schedules and growing sensitivity to pet welfare is pushing more people toward mobile options.

— Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2026

Definition of pushing

Verb

As such, Daoism maintains its complex and diverse nature well into the modern era, still striving to bring it all back into balance with the Dao.

— Michael Naparstek, The Conversation, 6 July 2026
For businesses striving to compete, partnerships can become a structural advantage.

— Yevhen Parokhod, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of striving

Adjective

From searing heat waves to regulatory rollbacks, sustainability is a tough topic for global leaders.

— Diane Brady, Fortune, 9 July 2026
Set the scene With a prime position on the shores of Lake Constance at the confluence of Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Liechtenstein, Buff Medical Resort is a brand new beast with searing ambition.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 July 2026

Definition of searing

Verb

Significant concerns also surround the program's temporary nature and its substantial potential cost, with CBO estimates reaching billions annually, potentially straining government healthcare funds.

— Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Fatigue from straining to hear throughout the day is another signal that often goes unrecognized.

— Allison Palmer July 1, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026

Definition of straining

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“Trying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trying. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of trying

adjective

verb

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