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

For more widespread hair loss, people can try contact immunotherapy, which involves a healthcare professional applying a chemical to the skin.5 Another treatment is Litfulo, a pill from drug manufacturer Pfizer for people ages 12 and older with severe alopecia areata. —

Brian Mastroianni, Health, 12 Dec. 2024 Instead, the Black soldier was tried in a military court, receiving the same legal treatment as four white soldiers court-martialed alongside him. —

Kinsey Gidick, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Dec. 2024

Noun

The Cavs had just made their 10th 3-pointer in 16 tries. —

Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 6 Dec. 2024 Zoom in: The Axios Indy team recently swung through Swig to give it a try. —

Arika Herron, Axios, 3 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for try

Recent Examples of Synonyms for try

Verb

As the league’s most efficient offense, the team relies on his ability to stretch the floor, his physicality on the boards, and his innate feel for the game.

Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 8 Dec. 2024
The episode also gave Mescal opportunities to stretch in other ways.

Amanda Wicks, The Atlantic, 8 Dec. 2024