1
as in try
an effort to do or accomplish something
it took several attempts before we made good ice cream with an old-fashioned hand-cranked ice cream freezer
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in attack
the act or action of setting upon with force or violence
several attempts on the life of the country's chief drug enforcement official
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to try
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of attempt
Brie Stimson, Fox News, 12 Mar. 2025
With the countdown within 45 minutes of launch, NASA called off an attempt to launch the next crew to the International Space Station Thursday evening to allow more time to troubleshoot a ground system hydraulics issue.
—William Harwood, CBS News, 12 Mar. 2025
Rosalio Ahumada, Sacramento Bee, 10 Mar. 2025
The company also plans to once again reignite its Raptor engines in space to attempt an orbital burn – a crucial maneuver to one day bring a vehicle back to the ground.
—Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for attempt
Noun
Christina’s efforts to now blame his father for that incident are absolutely wrong and nothing more than an attempt to generate media attention and force him to pay her money.
—Brie Stimson, Fox News, 12 Mar. 2025
With the countdown within 45 minutes of launch, NASA called off an attempt to launch the next crew to the International Space Station Thursday evening to allow more time to troubleshoot a ground system hydraulics issue.
—William Harwood, CBS News, 12 Mar. 2025
Verb
As a result of the plea deal, prosecutors have agreed to drop charges of murder, attempted murder and first-degree residential burglary against Scott, who was the family’s nanny.
—Rosalio Ahumada, Sacramento Bee, 10 Mar. 2025
The company also plans to once again reignite its Raptor engines in space to attempt an orbital burn – a crucial maneuver to one day bring a vehicle back to the ground.
—Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for attempt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attempt
Noun
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Odds: 55% Soundgarden The lot of 1990s bands feels less crowded this year, making Soundgarden a coin flip to make it on its third try.—
Troy Smith,
Axios,
11 Mar. 2025
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The style even impressed one shopper who hates sneakers, but gave these a try after their podiatrist suggested the brand.—
Rylee Johnston,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Phil Blair, Manpower YES: The current administration’s erratic behavior, both in DOGE attacks on federal agencies and executive orders, have made the business community very nervous.—
Phillip Molnar,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Mar. 2025
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Although the direct hit damage from his Repulsor Blast is being decreased, the attack's spell field damage is being bolstered to make up for it.—
Raja Krishnamoorthi,
Newsweek,
13 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Kyiv has been striving to prove its readiness for peace while stressing that no deal can succeed without American security guarantees to deter repeat Russian aggression.—
David Brennan,
ABC News,
12 Mar. 2025
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As artificial intelligence significantly impacts industries, business leaders strive to adopt this technology immediately to remain competitive.—
Alexandr Khomich,
Forbes,
11 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The incident comes a day after a 25-year-old Waterbury woman suffered from multiple stab wounds during a domestic violence incident in the area of Rose Street and Walnut Street.—
Kellie Love,
Hartford Courant,
11 Mar. 2025
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Initially, authorities believed the murders weren’t connected to each other, even with the similar stab wounds and wall markings.—
Jake Kring-Schreifels,
TIME,
7 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Drone surge The January double-tap attack was part of a wider wave of drone raids, reportedly the biggest of the 37-month wider war for the Ukrainians.—
David Axe,
Forbes,
20 Mar. 2025
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Rather than each episode being filled with heart-pounding action, the series establishes itself with a frantic, stressful raid on Jamie’s house and his subsequent arrest, then dissolves into a crime show that’s much more meticulous and robust beyond the thrills at the top.—
Fran Hoepfner,
Vulture,
18 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Meanwhile, Israel has slowly increased its military strikes in Gaza.—
Aya Batrawy,
NPR,
17 Mar. 2025
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The majority of these strikes happen during the summer, causing around 20 fatalities each year, according to the NWS.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
17 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Beijing has also softened its regulatory assault on Chinese technology companies and the property sector.—
Jacky Wong,
WSJ,
6 Feb. 2023
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Zelenskyy has warned for weeks that Moscow aims to step up its assault after about two months of virtual stalemate along the front line that stretches across the south and east.—
Reuters,
NBC News,
31 Jan. 2023
Noun
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And the recent onslaught of free-agent additions could just be the start of building up a unit that struggled mightily last season.—
Mike Kaye,
Charlotte Observer,
17 Mar. 2025
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Southwest is already preparing its employees for an onslaught of customer luggage at the gate.—
Leslie Josephs,
CNBC,
15 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Attempt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attempt. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.
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