tried

adjective

ˈtrīd 

1

: found good, faithful, or trustworthy through experience or testing

a tried recipe

2

: subjected to trials or distress

a kind but much-tried father

Synonyms

• calculable
• dependable
• good
• reliable
• responsible
• safe
• secure
• solid
• steady
• sure
• tried-and-true
• true
• trustable
• trustworthy
• trusty

Examples of tried in a Sentence

a tried and trusted friend

a tried method for catching sport fish

Recent Examples on the Web

Unlike the streaming services, which dares to different with many of their program entries, CBS recognizes the value of sticking with the tried and true with its older skewing audience. —Marc Berman, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025

The other idea was that Guardiola would fall back on the tried and tested false-nine method, and there were plenty of candidates for that: Ilkay Gundogan, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish among them. —Sam Lee, New York Times, 3 May 2025

Meghan Markle has ditched one of her tried and true outfit formulas in favor of a trendier silhouette. —Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 23 Apr. 2025

Dehydrating is a tried and true method that has many positive benefits for your health and budget. —Jordan Liberty Phillips, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from past participle of trien to try, test

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing tried

• don't knock it until you've tried it
• tried-and-true
• tried his level best
• well-tried

Rhymes for tried

• bide
• bride
• chide
• cried
• died
• dried
• dyed
• eid
• eide
• eyed
• flied
• fried

Kids Definition

tried

1 of 2

ˈtrīd

past and past participle of try

tried

2 of 2 adjective

: found good, faithful, or trustworthy through experience or testing

a tried recipe