Synonyms for Try
Updated · Synonyms List editorial team

Quick answer: The word try serves many purposes in the English language, ranging from attempting a task to testing its quality. Whether you need a formal alternative for a report or a casual phrase for conversation, this list provides clear options. You will find synonyms for try categorized by tone, including closest matches, formal choices, and informal expressions to help you write with precision and style.
Closest Synonyms for Try
- attempt
- To make an effort to achieve something, often without guaranteed success. Example: She will attempt to climb the high wall.
- endeavor
- To make serious and persistent efforts toward a goal. Example: He endeavors to finish his project by Friday.
- make an effort
- To put in some work to achieve a result. Example: Please make an effort to arrive on time.
- attempt to
- Used specifically when facing a difficult task. Example: They attempted to solve the complex puzzle.
- give it a go
- A casual way to suggest trying something new. Example: You should give it a go if you like.
- make a try
- An informal phrase meaning to attempt an action. Example: I will make a try to catch the ball.
- strive
- To make great efforts to achieve something. Example: She strives for excellence in all her classes.
- make an attempt
- A slightly more formal way to say you are trying. Example: The team made an attempt to fix the engine.
- venture
- To attempt something bold or risky. Example: He ventured to speak at the large meeting.
- try one's hand
- To attempt doing something for the first time. Example: Let us try our hand at cooking dinner.
- attempt a solution
- To work on finding an answer to a problem. Example: They are attempting a solution to the crisis.
- endeavor to do
- A formal expression for planning to do something. Example: We endeavor to help everyone we meet.
Formal Synonyms for Try
- avail oneself of
- to make use of or try to benefit from something, as in he availed himself of the opportunity
- make a bid
- to try or offer to achieve something, as in she made a bid to become the president
- exert effort
- to try by applying force or energy, as in he exerted effort to lift the heavy box
- go after
- to try to achieve or obtain something, as in they decided to go after the championship
- put forth
- to try or exert oneself, as in she put forth all her energy to succeed
- pursue
- to try to reach or achieve a goal, as in he pursues his dreams relentlessly
- labour
- to try with difficulty and effort, as in he laboured to understand the complex equation
- struggle
- to try with difficulty or against resistance, as in she struggled to keep up with the crowd
Informal Synonyms for Try
- give it a whirl
- Use this when you want to attempt something fun or new with a light, playful attitude, like saying we should give the new game a whirl.
- take a shot
- Choose this phrase when you feel brave enough to make a bold attempt, such as taking a shot at fixing that broken chair.
- have a go
- Employ this common expression to encourage someone to make a sincere effort, like having a go at solving the difficult puzzle.
- make a stab at
- Say this when you are attempting something challenging without full confidence, for example, making a stab at the complicated recipe.
- give it a shot
- Use this casual suggestion to recommend trying an idea that seems promising, such as giving a new marketing strategy a shot.
- give it a shot at
- Add 'at' to the phrase for when you are targeting a specific outcome, like giving it a shot at winning the big contest.
- give a chance
- Select this phrase when you are trying to see if something has potential, such as giving the new student a chance to show their skills.
- have a crack
- to attempt something with a sense of humor or casual attitude, as in 'Why not have a crack at that puzzle?'
- put forth a hand
- to offer help or attempt a task, for example, 'He put forth a hand to steady the wobbly ladder.'
- cast a look
- to attempt to see or find something by glancing, such as 'She cast a look around the room for her keys.'
- attempt the feat
- to make an honest try at accomplishing a difficult task, as in 'The dog attempted the feat of jumping over the fence.'
Stronger and Weaker Words
- assail
- stronger, to attack or challenge
- dabble
- weaker, to do something casually
- probe
- stronger, examines closely
- experiment
- neutral, tries out a method
Antonyms for Try
- refuse
- avoid
- shirk
- balk
- hesitate
- delay
- postpone
- evade
- neglect
- decline
- forsake
- abandon
- let go
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between try and attempt?
Try is a general word used for most situations where you attempt a task. Attempt is often used when the task is difficult or the success is uncertain, making it sound slightly more serious.
Can I use try in formal writing?
Yes, try is acceptable in formal contexts, but words like attempt or endeavor are often preferred when discussing serious goals or official efforts to sound more professional.
What are some informal ways to say try?
Common informal phrases include give it a go, make a try, or try your hand. These work well in casual conversations but should be avoided in formal documents or professional emails.
What are the antonyms of try?
Words with the opposite meaning include give up, surrender, fail, quit, abandon, cease, stop, retreat, yield, and refuse. These indicate stopping an effort rather than continuing it.





