ATTEMPTING Synonyms: 25 Similar and Opposite Words

attempting

verb

present participle of attempt

as in trying

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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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 attempting The push is attempting to cut down on wait times for crime victims accessing services and take inventory of the state’s violence prevention efforts under his tenure, according to an executive order obtained by The Sacramento Bee. — Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026 In attempting to pass the group, Ross came dangerously close to several cyclists, and one collided with his vehicle and fell. — Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 22 Oct. 2026 Finch then spoke of the Timberwolves previously attempting to work through the process, when the team had both Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026 Elizondo also was convicted on one count of attempting to destroy evidence, while Salgado also was found guilty of one count of lying to the FBI. — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026 Words fail, however, when attempting to describe the breathtaking view. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026 The tourist, a Belgian national, was attempting to BASE jump from the 27th floor of Auckland's Hotel Indigo when his parachute became caught on the building's exterior. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026 Earhart went missing on July 2, 1937, while attempting to become the first person to fly around the equator. — Lana Zak, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026 The Hotel & Gaming Trades Council union, which oversees the 378 staff members working at the Plaza, will be attempting to place them in different jobs, The New York Times reported. — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 15 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for attempting

Verb

Hertzberg said he’s talked to investors who may be willing to buy these bonds at cheaper rates, given the crushing issue the funding is trying to solve.

— Audrey McGlinchy, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
For this week, however, Morris is an evil stepsibling, the 49ers’ defensive coordinator trying to slow down Robinson and the Falcons’ offense.

— Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of trying

Verb

Filmed largely on the doctors’ phones, the film offers an intimate account of the people striving to preserve life amid a devastating humanitarian crisis.

— Leo Barraclough, Variety, 19 Oct. 2026
And those striving for zest under these circumstances may benefit from assistance from a mental health professional like a psychologist, a physical health provider like a physician, or a personal trainer or fitness instructor.

— Joan M. Cook, Time, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of striving

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attempted

attempting

attempts

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“Attempting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attempting. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of attempting

verb

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