attempt

[uh-tempt] / əˈtɛmpt /

NOUN

try, effort

Synonyms

STRONGEST

attack bid endeavor experiment pursuit shot struggle try

STRONG

crack exertion fling go header lick stab striving trial tryout undertaking venture whack workout

WEAK

all one's got dry run one's all one's darnedest one's level best

Antonyms

STRONGEST

retreat surrender

WEAK

certainty laziness success

VERB

try, make effort

Synonyms

STRONGEST

pursue seek solicit tackle undertake

STRONG

aim attack endeavor essay experiment push strive venture

WEAK

do level best exert oneself give a fling give a whirl give best shot give it a go give it a try give old college try go the limit have a crack have a go at make a run at shoot the works take a stab at take best shot take on try one's hand at

Antonyms

STRONGEST

forget neglect

STRONG

be idle

WEAK

be lazy

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Iranian media likened the rescue operation to the US military's disastrous Operation Eagle Claw in 1980, an attempt to rescue more than 50 Americans at the US embassy in Tehran.

From Barron's • Apr. 5, 2026

This game ended with Lauren Betts blocking Madison Booker’s layup attempt with 18 seconds remaining and Texas trailing by just three.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

The government explains this concentration of wealth as an attempt to put wealth in national, instead of foreign hands.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

Any such operation, if ordered, would risk significant casualties, considering that Iran relies on drones, missiles and small speedboats to strike vessels that attempt to defy its blockade.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

For Willits’s New Jersey friends, she finally agreed to attempt “mysteries hitherto unknown in the age of the world.”

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock

attempt

Example Sentences

Related Words