Showing results for attempting. Search instead for attesting.

attempting

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.

Last month, Sri Lankan customs officials intercepted nine Chinese nationals attempting to smuggle used mobile phones and laptops in the hundreds, raising suspicion they were to be used in large-scale fraud operations.

From Barron's • May 17, 2026

Andy Burnham spent much of the day attempting to persuade MP Josh Simons, once a staunch ally of Sir Keir, to sacrifice his parliamentary career to help save Labour.

From BBC • May 15, 2026

Peters was convicted on several charges including attempting to influence a public servant, violating her elections duty and conspiring to commit criminal impersonation.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026

OpenAI emphasized that while not every fund that offers investors exposure to OpenAI’s equity is “problematic,” the fund offering the exposure might be attempting to dodge OpenAI’s restrictions on stock transfers.

From MarketWatch • May 13, 2026

“Either that or Ms. Muldauer is attempting to hail a taxi indoors.”

From "Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olympics" by Chris Grabenstein