attempting

present participle of attempt
as in trying
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

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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 attempting Zach Neto walked to begin the inning but got picked off at first base attempting to steal second. Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026 This year, Washington, DC, is attempting to celebrate the milestone by breaking a Guiness World Record on the Fourth of July for the largest fireworks display. Staff Report, USA Today, 2 July 2026 William Huerta, 41, was charged with one felony count of fleeing and attempting to elude officers. Jeramie Bizzle, CBS News, 2 July 2026 Whether Blubaugh fits that description is up for debate, but his value is obvious to the 2026 Astros and teams attempting to acquire him. Chandler Rome, New York Times, 2 July 2026 On June 27, 2026, at Trinity Pride Fest in Fort Worth, Texas, street preachers Richard Penkoski and David Grisham were subjected to multiple violations of their First Amendment rights while attempting to preach on public property. Emily Holshouser july 2, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 July 2026 Federal health officials are attempting to track down the source of a microscopic parasite that triggers prolonged gastrointestinal illness, as domestic cases begin to climb for the summer season. Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026 Johansson, who BriseBois is attempting to find a trade partner for, signed with Tampa Bay when the signing window opened three summers ago. Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 Argentina is attempting to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back World Cups. Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attempting
Verb
  • Brownell is trying Lynkuet, a non-hormonal drug to help with hot flashes and night sweats.
    Laura Trujillo, USA Today, 30 June 2026
  • Brennan, though, throws the first wrench into the works by instead trying to establish his credibility.
    Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • For some, chalance has become bigger than just dating, with people striving to bring more enthusiasm and feeling into all areas of their lives, too.
    Charles Trepany, USA Today, 29 June 2026
  • Move from striving to stillness.
    Jann E. Freed, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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