en·deav·or
in-ˈde-vər 
endeavored; endeavoring
in-ˈde-v(ə-)riŋ
1
: to attempt (something, such as the fulfillment of an obligation) by exertion of effort
endeavors to finish the race
2
archaic
: to strive to achieve or reach
: to work with set purpose
1
: serious determined effort
2
: activity directed toward a goal : enterprise
fields of endeavor
Synonyms
Examples of endeavor in a Sentence
Verb
As urbanization advanced, it swept away the distinctive physical and social characteristics of the culture of the past, substituting undifferentiated built environments and standardized patterns of dress and behavior. Hand-camera users endeavored to reaffirm individuality and arrest time in the face of the encroaching depersonalization of existence.
—
Naomi Rosenblum, A World History of Photography, 1989
At some time in their careers, most good historians itch to write a history of the world, endeavor to discover what makes humanity the most destructive and creative of species.
—Paul Johnson, New York Times Book Review, 7 Apr. 1985
The school endeavors to teach students to be good citizens.
They endeavored to create a government that truly serves its people.
Noun
Sgt. Pepper was our grandest endeavor.
—Ringo Starr, in The Beatles Anthology, 2000
Science has traditionally accepted the smartest students, the most committed and self-sacrificing researchers, and the cleanest money—that is, money with the fewest political strings attached. In both theory and practice, science in this century has been perceived as a noble endeavor.
—Science, 13 Feb. 1998
The miraculous thing I have to report, a secret so precious I hesitate to share it, is how docilely and utterly the critic in one goes to sleep when a creative endeavor is afoot.
—John Updike, New York Times Book Review, 21 June 1987
His endeavors have gone unrewarded.
She is involved in several artistic endeavors.
Technology is the fastest-changing area of human endeavor.
Naomi Rosenblum, A World History of Photography, 1989
At some time in their careers, most good historians itch to write a history of the world, endeavor to discover what makes humanity the most destructive and creative of species.
—Paul Johnson, New York Times Book Review, 7 Apr. 1985
The school endeavors to teach students to be good citizens.
They endeavored to create a government that truly serves its people.
Noun
Sgt. Pepper was our grandest endeavor.
—Ringo Starr, in The Beatles Anthology, 2000
Science has traditionally accepted the smartest students, the most committed and self-sacrificing researchers, and the cleanest money—that is, money with the fewest political strings attached. In both theory and practice, science in this century has been perceived as a noble endeavor.
—Science, 13 Feb. 1998
The miraculous thing I have to report, a secret so precious I hesitate to share it, is how docilely and utterly the critic in one goes to sleep when a creative endeavor is afoot.
—John Updike, New York Times Book Review, 21 June 1987
His endeavors have gone unrewarded.
She is involved in several artistic endeavors.
Technology is the fastest-changing area of human endeavor.
Recent Examples on the Web
Joseph Choi, The Hill, 6 Dec. 2024
Part of the Greener, Greater Buildings Plan, these ordinances endeavor to help New York City reach its goal of decreasing carbon emissions by 80% by 2050.
—Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024
Petronas Contributor, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
Brier previously told Variety that her audiobook is a new creative endeavor.
—Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 13 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for endeavor 
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.
Verb
Still, Democrats are endeavoring to preserve the provisions, privately offering Republicans a deal for a one-year extension of the subsidies Thursday night, according to The Washington Post.
—Joseph Choi, The Hill, 6 Dec. 2024
Part of the Greener, Greater Buildings Plan, these ordinances endeavor to help New York City reach its goal of decreasing carbon emissions by 80% by 2050.
—Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024
Noun
Believing in thriving together, PETRONAS adopts progressive collaboration models alongside its CCS endeavor, enabling new growth opportunities for players and exemplifying how pursuing sustainability can also maintain the vibrancy of existing businesses.
—Petronas Contributor, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
Brier previously told Variety that her audiobook is a new creative endeavor.
—Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 13 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for endeavor
Dictionary Entries Near endeavor
Cite this Entry
“Endeavor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/endeavor. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share