Synonyms of try, such as attempt, strive, endeavor, and pursue, all convey the act of making an effort toward a goal or task. For example, when someone endeavors to learn a new skill, they’re putting in determined effort, much like trying. These alternatives vary in tone and intensity—some suggest casual effort, while others imply persistence and determination. Whether you’re writing informally or aiming for a more refined tone, using the right synonym for try can make your message clearer and more impactful.
In this guide, we’ll explore a range of synonyms for try and how to use them effectively in different contexts. Expanding your vocabulary in this way not only sharpens your communication but also helps capture the intention behind every effort.
From everyday conversations to formal writing, there’s a perfect word to reflect every kind of try.
Synonyms of Try (With Meaning, Usage Tips, and Examples)
1. Attempt
Meaning: To make an effort to achieve something, often with uncertainty.
Use it when: You want a slightly more formal or serious tone than “try.”
- She attempted to climb the steep hill.
- He attempted a joke, but it fell flat.
2. Strive
Meaning: To put in great effort toward a goal, often with persistence.
Use it when: You want to emphasize dedication or struggle.
- We strive to improve every year.
- She strived for excellence in her work.
3. Endeavor
Meaning: To seriously or solemnly try to do something.
Use it when: You want a formal or literary tone.
- He endeavored to maintain peace.
- She endeavors to live a meaningful life.
4. Attempt (as a noun)
Meaning: An effort or act of trying.
Use it when: You’re naming the action itself.
- His attempt to explain only confused things.
- It was a brave attempt, despite the odds.
5. Make an effort
Meaning: To put in intentional, often visible work toward a goal.
Use it when: You’re focusing on the process, not just the result.
- He made an effort to get to know everyone.
- She made an effort to understand his perspective.
6. Give it a shot
Meaning: To try something casually or without certainty.
Use it when: You’re being informal or relaxed.
- I’ve never painted, but I’ll give it a shot.
- Let’s give it a shot and see what happens.
7. Give it a go
Meaning: To try something, often new or unfamiliar.
Use it when: You’re describing exploration or willingness.
- I’ve never danced salsa, but I’ll give it a go.
- You should give it a go—you might like it!
8. Test
Meaning: To try out something to see if it works.
Use it when: You’re evaluating or experimenting.
- We tested a new marketing strategy.
- She tested the waters before committing.
9. Experiment
Meaning: To try something to discover or learn.
Use it when: You’re being creative or open to outcomes.
- He experimented with different painting styles.
- They’re experimenting with vegetarian recipes.
10. Tackle
Meaning: To take on a challenge or difficult task.
Use it when: The effort involves determination or problem-solving.
- She tackled the project head-on.
- We’re ready to tackle this issue together.
11. Take a stab at
Meaning: To make a casual or uncertain attempt.
Use it when: You want a conversational, informal tone.
- I’ll take a stab at fixing it.
- He took a stab at writing poetry.
12. Undertake
Meaning: To commit to trying something serious or large.
Use it when: The task requires responsibility or planning.
- She undertook the redesign of the company’s website.
- He undertook the challenge with courage.
13. Pursue
Meaning: To actively try to achieve a goal or dream.
Use it when: There’s ambition or persistence involved.
- She’s pursuing a career in law.
- He pursued his passion despite obstacles.
14. Go for
Meaning: To make a confident or decisive attempt.
Use it when: You want to sound bold or enthusiastic.
- Just go for it!
- She went for the promotion and got it.
15. Venture
Meaning: To try something that involves risk or the unknown.
Use it when: There’s courage or uncertainty involved.
- He ventured into unfamiliar territory.
- They ventured a guess.
16. Have a go
Meaning: To attempt something, often playfully or lightly.
Use it when: You’re in a casual, British-English context.
- Fancy having a go at chess?
- He had a go but couldn’t finish it.
17. Aim
Meaning: To try to reach or achieve a specific target.
Use it when: You’re focusing on intention or goal-setting.
- She aimed to win the scholarship.
- We’re aiming for 100% satisfaction.
18. Shoot for
Meaning: To try for something ambitious.
Use it when: You’re speaking motivationally or informally.
- Shoot for the stars!
- He’s shooting for a spot on the national team.
19. Practice
Meaning: To repeatedly try something to improve skill.
Use it when: You want to show persistence and growth.
- He practiced his speech every day.
- You get better the more you practice.
20. Train
Meaning: To try repeatedly with a structured method.
Use it when: There’s a formal or professional context.
- She’s training for a marathon.
- We trained hard for the championship.
21. Exert
Meaning: To apply effort or energy to something.
Use it when: You want to emphasize physical or mental effort.
- He exerted himself to finish on time.
- She exerted her influence wisely.
22. Apply oneself
Meaning: To make a consistent and serious effort.
Use it when: You’re highlighting discipline or focus.
- He applied himself this semester.
- You need to apply yourself to see results.
23. Push
Meaning: To challenge oneself to go further.
Use it when: You’re emphasizing determination and effort.
- She pushed through her doubts.
- We’re pushing ourselves to reach new goals.
24. Struggle
Meaning: To try hard despite difficulty or resistance.
Use it when: The effort is intense or painful.
- He struggled to stay awake.
- She struggled with the decision.
25. Labor
Meaning: To work hard over time.
Use it when: The effort is physical or long-lasting.
- He labored over the manuscript.
- They labored day and night to finish.
26. Toil
Meaning: To try with continuous hard work.
Use it when: The process is grueling or repetitive.
- The farmers toiled under the hot sun.
- She toiled through hours of paperwork.
27. Wrestle with
Meaning: To try hard to understand or overcome something.
Use it when: The effort is mental or emotional.
- He wrestled with his conscience.
- She’s wrestling with a tough decision.
28. Hack away at
Meaning: To keep trying at something with slow progress.
Use it when: The tone is informal and effortful.
- He kept hacking away at the essay.
- They hacked away at the problem until it made sense.
29. Take on
Meaning: To accept and attempt a responsibility or task.
Use it when: The action involves commitment.
- She took on the role of team leader.
- He took on too much at once.
30. Put in the work
Meaning: To try with sustained effort and dedication.
Use it when: You’re stressing perseverance.
- If you put in the work, you’ll succeed.
- She put in the work, and it paid off.
How to Choose the Right Synonym of Try
Want a casual tone?
Use: Give it a shot, take a stab at, go for, have a go
Want a formal or serious tone?
Use: Endeavor, undertake, pursue, strive
Need to show effort over time?
Use: Practice, labor, toil, apply oneself, train
Want to emphasize difficulty?
Use: Struggle, wrestle with, hack away at
Want to show optimism or boldness?
Use: Shoot for, go for, aim, venture
Final Thoughts
To sum up, exploring synonyms of try gives you more than just word variety—it empowers you to express levels of effort with greater accuracy. From a simple attempt to a determined endeavor, each term adds its shade of meaning. These words help shape your tone, whether you’re highlighting persistence, ambition, or just giving something a go.
Now that you’re familiar with these options, you can choose the one that best fits your purpose and audience. Let your language reflect not just action, but intention.
With the right try synonyms, you can inspire, encourage, or describe effort in ways that resonate deeply. Every choice you make with these synonyms brings your writing one step closer to clarity and impact.
