attempt 1 of 2

Definition of attemptnext

attempt

2 of 2

verb

as in to try
to make an effort to do after attempting—and failing—to start the lawn mower on my own, I finally succeeded with a neighbor's help don't even attempt walking on your broken foot

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb attempt differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of attempt are endeavor, essay, strive, and try. While all these words mean "to make an effort to accomplish an end," attempt stresses the initiation or beginning of an effort.

will attempt to photograph the rare bird

When is it sensible to use endeavor instead of attempt?

The words endeavor and attempt can be used in similar contexts, but endeavor heightens the implications of exertion and difficulty.

endeavored to find crash survivors in the mountains

When could essay be used to replace attempt?

While in some cases nearly identical to attempt, essay implies difficulty but also suggests tentative trying or experimenting.

will essay a dramatic role for the first time

When might strive be a better fit than attempt?

The meanings of strive and attempt largely overlap; however, strive implies great exertion against great difficulty and specifically suggests persistent effort.

continues to strive for peace

How do try and attempt relate to one another?

Try is often close to attempt but may stress effort or experiment made in the hope of testing or proving something.

tried to determine which was the better procedure

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 attempt
Noun
The couple is accused of conspiring to murder Agarwal in an attempt to continue their romance. Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 29 June 2026 Elle is in high school when her parents relocated to Seattle, and the first season follows her attempts to find a path in the Pacific Northwest, helped along by her mother’s guidance. Seija Rankin, HollywoodReporter, 29 June 2026
Verb
Deputies and paramedics attempted life-saving measures, but the driver died at the scene, according to the release. Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 30 June 2026 Paramount has repeatedly touted the benefits of the transaction, and Ellison has attempted to reassure Hollywood’s creative community by promising to put 30 movies a year in theaters. Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for attempt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attempt
Noun
  • Keiko Fujimori, Peru’s most powerful politician over the past decade, has won the presidency once held by her father on her fourth try, according to official results.
    Helena Carpio, Washington Post, 2 July 2026
  • But virtual try-on technology has been tackling this challenge by letting shoppers try on different frame proportions and styles.
    K.H. Koehler, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • The British Army also provided protection from attacks by Native American tribes, giving many settlers little reason to support a rebellion.
    Hank Tester, CBS News, 1 July 2026
  • Twice in recent days, the United States has launched retaliatory strikes on Iran following drone attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
    Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • When technology lowers the cost of doing something, companies always strive to do more.
    Jeremy Fain, Fortune, 1 July 2026
  • For example, business functions strive for growth, while development teams focus on functionality.
    Eugenia Mykuliak, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • The Lexington County Coroner's Office said on June 22 that investigators found no signs of bruising, lacerations, gunshot wounds, stab wounds, blunt force trauma, strangulation or other external injuries during a forensic autopsy.
    Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
  • Take a stab at it by themselves and use AI as a collaborative tool—like an editor or colleague.
    Aytekin Tank, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • Indeed, the administration’s assault on Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act intensifies the damage.
    Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • Williams had an extraditable warrant out of Suffolk County, New York, on multiple charges including burglary, strangulation and assault.
    Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • The June 19 raid of the EZ-8 Motel focused on three rooms that were allegedly rented out by operators of a prostitution ring.
    Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 4 July 2026
  • Netanyahu noted that his brother Yoni was killed in the raid.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Noun
  • Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia’s position on Ukraine remains unchanged, insisting that Russian troops are continuing their front-line offensive.
    Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026
  • The move reflects the success of elite drone formations such as Rubicon, which helped blunt Ukraine's offensive into Russia's Kursk region by using drones to disrupt frontline logistics.
    David Kirichenko, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Noun
  • The union would have to give a 10-day notice before a strike can begin.
    WCCO Staff, CBS News, 2 July 2026
  • The majority of these strikes happen during the summer, causing around 20 fatalities each year, according to the NWS.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Attempt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attempt. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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