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Dictionary.com

try hard

VERB
exert
Synonyms
STRONGEST
apply bring to bear exercise expend strive utilize wield
STRONG
dig employ endeavor labor plug ply push strain struggle throw toil use work
WEAK
apply oneself bring into play give all one's got give best shot make effort peg away pour it on put forth put out sweat it
Antonyms
STRONG
conceal hide idle ignore laze relax rest
VERB
hammer away/hammer into
Synonyms
WEAK
continue drive home drub into drudge drum into endeavor grind grind into impress upon instruct keep on peg away persevere persist plug away pound away repeat stick to try repeatedly work
VERB
knuckle down
Synonyms
WEAK
bear down buckle down concentrate labor work
VERB
strive
Synonyms
STRONGEST
aim endeavor go all out seek tackle
STRONG
assay attempt compete contend drive essay fight hassle jockey labor moil offer push scramble strain struggle sweat toil tug work
WEAK
bear down bend over backward break one's neck do one's best do one's utmost go after go for broke go for the jugular go the limit knock oneself out leave no stone unturned make every effort shoot for take on
Antonyms
STRONGEST
neglect
STRONG
agree discourage dissuade idle laze make peace relax repress rest surrender yield
WEAK
forget skip

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.

Chiang Chu-hsuan, 60, another community leader, dismissed the guide as a "waste of money" and said Lai should try hard to "avoid war".

From Barron's • Nov. 21, 2025

This can encourage perseverance but it also may prevent Thai people from seeking help because of fears that their community will believe they did not try hard enough.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 21, 2025

Teens and their families internalize the message that if they only try hard enough, adopt the right mindset, they’ll get their health back—a message that implies it’s their fault if they don’t.

From Slate • Sep. 15, 2025

"Ultimately, can the attacker get in? They probably can if they try hard enough."

From BBC • Jul. 8, 2025

I try hard to convince myself it doesn’t, but my head hurts and I feel dizzy.

From "The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman" by Gennifer Choldenko