ATTEMPTED Synonyms: 28 Similar and Opposite Words

attempted

verb

Definition of attempted

past tense of attempt

as in tried

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

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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 attempted Arbuckle claimed the bank attempted to sideline her by reassigning her staff, excluding her from meetings and reducing her pay through lower performance reviews. — Chase Jordan july 30, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026 First responders attempted to save his life, but the teenager died at the scene, the Austin Police Department said in a statement. — Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 30 July 2026 The assault was supported by Gerbera and Lancet drones that attempted to suppress Ukrainian drone operations ahead of the advancing force. — Vikram Mittal, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 One officer attempted to remove the plastic handcuffs used by the National Guard members, the claim said, but was unable to slip scissors under the handcuffs because of how tightly they were put on. — Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 29 July 2026 One of Fauci's attorneys, David Schertler, who was sitting next to him, attempted to speak several times after Paul's questioning was over, but the senator shut him down, saying the attorney wasn't recognized. — Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 29 July 2026 The original designers had envisioned the highest and widest dome ever attempted—but left future generations to worry about how to build it. — Alicja Zelazko, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 July 2026 Nathaniel Pearson of Raytown was charged Tuesday with first degree assault, armed criminal action and attempted stealing of a motor vehicle, the prosecutor’s office said in a Wednesday news release. — Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 29 July 2026 Tate attempted to rectify funding issues through staff cuts, sending staff morale plummeting and spurring a strike. — News Desk, Artforum, 22 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for attempted

tried

Verb

After airing a 19th season that limped its way to the finish line, Bravo probably should have tried something a little different for the next one.

— Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 31 July 2026
And in New York, Mayor Zohran Mamdani has tried to distance himself from his past criticisms of the city’s police department and a previous call to defund the agency.

— ABC News, ABC News, 31 July 2026

Definition of tried

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attempt

attempted

attempting

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“Attempted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attempted. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of attempted

verb

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