endeavor 1 of 2

as in attempt
an effort to do or accomplish something the hope that this latest endeavor will yield much information about the atmosphere of the planet

Synonyms & Similar Words

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endeavor

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb endeavor differ from other similar words?

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

endeavored to find crash survivors in the mountains

Where would attempt be a reasonable alternative to endeavor?

The synonyms attempt and endeavor are sometimes interchangeable, but attempt stresses the initiation or beginning of an effort.

will attempt to photograph the rare bird

When might essay be a better fit than endeavor?

Although the words essay and endeavor have much in common, essay implies difficulty but also suggests tentative trying or experimenting.

will essay a dramatic role for the first time

In what contexts can strive take the place of endeavor?

The meanings of strive and endeavor largely overlap; however, strive implies great exertion against great difficulty and specifically suggests persistent effort.

continues to strive for peace

How do try and attempt relate to one another, in the sense of endeavor?

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

Example 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 endeavor
Noun
After launching her cooking show on Netflix, many compared the endeavor to Pamela Anderson's own cooking show. Lauryn Overhultz, Fox News, 13 Mar. 2025 All sailings are grounded in the company’s endeavor to focus on the destination and provide culturally immersive experiences both on and off the ships. Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 11 Mar. 2025
Verb
During his visit, Mr. Biden endeavored to show his appreciation for the contributions of Black Americans. Erica L. Green, New York Times, 19 Jan. 2025 For example, in December Norfolk Land Trust and Northeast Wilderness Trust finalized a conservation easement on more than 600 acres of forest that a group of Norfolk families has endeavored to protect since the 1980s. Shelley Harms, Hartford Courant, 28 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for endeavor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for endeavor
Noun
  • The Oklahoma City Thunder clinched a spot in the NBA Playoffs after beating the Boston Celtics 118-112 Wednesday in a thrilling game defined by physicality and Boston’s unrelenting dedication to shooting the 3, setting a franchise record with 63 attempts.
    Jay King, The Athletic, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Many political observers and election experts saw the baseless narrative as an attempt to sow doubt about the election results in case Trump lost.
    Jude Joffe-Block, NPR, 12 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • Both China and Europe strive to be global leaders in the clean technology sector, for instance, and Chinese overproduction is threatening European industrial champions, particularly in the auto sector.
    Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • When Gordon tried to go on the outside, Quansah was able to block his cross.
    Andy Jones, The Athletic, 13 Mar. 2025
  • The cops then tried to rough up the man in his apartment, but Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox) was there to protect him and dole out some brutal, bone-snapping justice.
    Jordan Moreau, Variety, 12 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • England have struggled at the latter position in recent years, and with Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall out injured until next season, Spence could be Tuchel’s best option there already.
    Oliver Kay, The Athletic, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Still, with fewer employees, the department may struggle to meet the demands of a growing number of applicants.
    Scott White, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Patterson had labored on the project for years, enlarging it at one point into a seven episode mini-series, before shrinking it back down again.
    Brent Lang, Variety, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Also headed to Vijayawada was a group of laboring youths from Khagaria, in Bihar.
    Amitava Kumar, The New Yorker, 8 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • For this to work, run a hot shower in a small bathroom for 15-20 minutes, keeping the door shut and the fan off.
    Emily Williams, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Meghan wrote to Hirsh in her signature calligraphy, showing off the skill she's honed since working as a calligrapher while an auditioning actor.
    Janine Henni, People.com, 20 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Endeavor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/endeavor. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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