TRY Synonyms: 71 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'try' differ from other similar words?

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

Q: When can 'attempt' be used instead of 'try'?

In some situations, the words attempt and try are roughly equivalent. However, attempt stresses the initiation or beginning of an effort. // will attempt to photograph the rare bird

Q: Where would 'endeavor' be a reasonable alternative to 'try'?

The synonyms endeavor and try are sometimes interchangeable, but endeavor heightens the implications of exertion and difficulty. // endeavored to find crash survivors in the mountains

Q: When is 'essay' a more appropriate choice than 'try'?

The words essay and try can be used in similar contexts, but essay implies difficulty but also suggests tentative trying or experimenting. // will essay a dramatic role for the first time

Q: When is it sensible to use 'strive' instead of 'try'?

While the synonyms strive and try are close in meaning, strive implies great exertion against great difficulty and specifically suggests persistent effort. // continues to strive for peace

try 1 of 2

verb

ˈtrī

Definition of try next

as in to stretch

to subject (a personal quality or faculty) to often excessive stress you're trying my patience

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to attempt

to make an effort to do try to unlock the door will try to call later tonight

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

try

2 of 2

noun

as in attempt

an effort to do or accomplish something was granted another try at the field goal

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb try differ from other similar words?

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

When can attempt be used instead of try?

In some situations, the words attempt and try are roughly equivalent. However, attempt stresses the initiation or beginning of an effort.

will attempt to photograph the rare bird

Where would endeavor be a reasonable alternative to try?

The synonyms endeavor and try are sometimes interchangeable, but endeavor heightens the implications of exertion and difficulty.

endeavored to find crash survivors in the mountains

When is essay a more appropriate choice than try?

The words essay and try can be used in similar contexts, but essay implies difficulty but also suggests tentative trying or experimenting.

will essay a dramatic role for the first time

When is it sensible to use strive instead of try?

While the synonyms strive and try are close in meaning, strive implies great exertion against great difficulty and specifically suggests persistent effort.

continues to strive for peace

Examples 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 try

Verb

Progressive politicians won’t be the only ones trying to address this problem. —

Ingrid Robeyns, WIRED, 24 Dec. 2024 Lively accused Baldoni of trying to tarnish her reputation through a targeted social media campaign. —

Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024

Noun

Follow these steps to give it a try: Prepare the containers. —

Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Dec. 2024 The New Yorker had gotten his master's degree in criminal justice with plans to be a lawyer and passed the Bar on his first try. —

Karen Bartunek, The Arizona Republic, 11 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for try

Recent Examples of Synonyms for try

Verb

The buttery yellow ramparts encircling the center of Avignon stretch 2.6 miles and are notched with arrow slits and gaps for dumping boiling water or cooking oil on attackers below.

Catherine Porter, New York Times, 20 Dec. 2024
Zoom in: The iron arch stretches across San Diego Avenue at Twiggs Street welcoming visitors to the state historic park that marks the birthplace of California.

Kate Murphy, Axios, 20 Dec. 2024