as in tried
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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Recent Examples of attempted
Because the islands are unsinkable, Iranian military positions on them would have to be eliminated to ensure the safe passage of US warships – potentially those carrying US Marine Expeditionary Units (MEUs) – into the heart of the Persian Gulf, if a landing were to be attempted on Kharg Island.
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Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2026
Hunter Goodman singled to right, and McCarthy, one of the fastest players in baseball, attempted to score from second.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 28 Mar. 2026
Burke has been charged with murder, attempted murder and shooting into an inhabited vehicle, according to the criminal complaint.
—Dennis Romero, NBC news, 21 Mar. 2026
But Joens attempted just two shots in the second half — both missed 3s.
—Dallas Morning News, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for attempted
Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2026
Hunter Goodman singled to right, and McCarthy, one of the fastest players in baseball, attempted to score from second.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 28 Mar. 2026
Burke has been charged with murder, attempted murder and shooting into an inhabited vehicle, according to the criminal complaint.
—Dennis Romero, NBC news, 21 Mar. 2026
But Joens attempted just two shots in the second half — both missed 3s.
—Dallas Morning News, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for attempted
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attempted
tried
Verb
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Shortly after, authorities said a second 911 call was made after an apparent miscommunication when the utility worker allegedly tried to stop someone who was driving by for help.—
Erika Stanish,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
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She got cut from a team but tried again in eighth grade and started to learn and enjoy the game.—
Charles Baggarly
April 2,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Attempted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attempted. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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