Words to Use Instead of "Try"

The Quick Answer

The fastest way to upgrade your vocabulary.

If you want to stop overusing the word "try", you have over 50 powerful alternatives to choose from. The best choice depends on how hard the task is and where you are writing it.

For a formal effort, use attempt or endeavor. For evaluating something, use test or sample. To show determination, use strive or persevere. For casual conversation, you can say you will give it a shot or tinker with it.

Word Profile: "Try"

A linguistic breakdown of the base word.

Target Word	Try
Part of Speech	Verb
Meaning	To make an attempt or effort to do something.
Etymology	From Old French 'trier', meaning to pick out, cull, or sift.
Weakness Level	Overused / Generic

Why Replace "Try"?

The problem with using the same word repeatedly.

"Try" is a perfectly fine word, but it often lacks the weight to convey true effort or intent. Because we use it for everything—from "trying" to tie our shoes to "trying" to solve a complex crisis—it loses its impact. When you replace it with a specific synonym, you tell the reader <em>exactly</em> what kind of effort is being made.

The Vagueness Trap

"He tried to fix the engine." Did he briefly poke at it, or did he labor for hours? We don't know. "Try" is descriptively weak.

The Precision Fix

"He attempted to fix the engine" (a formal, structured effort). "He struggled to fix the engine" (a difficult, agonizing effort). The synonyms paint a clear picture.

The Synonym Word Grid

A complete visual directory of 160+ synonyms. Click any word to explore its definition.

Active / Effort

Test / Experiment

Professional / Formal

Casual / Slang

Determined / Persistent

Active / Effort

Attempt Endeavor Undertake Pursue Strive Tackle Embark Aim Aspire Seek Venture Commit Apply Exert Strain Labor Toil Push Drive Battle Grind Sweat Plug away Struggle Reach Fight Wrestle Wring Jockey Scramble Claw Grope Fumble Scramble Toil

Test / Experiment

Test Experiment Sample Taste Probe Inspect Examine Investigate Explore Analyze Evaluate Assess Appraise Check Verify Validate Trial Pilot Screen Scan Review Scrutinize Study Research Weigh Measure Grade Rank Rate Judge Consider Inspect Test-drive Assay Dissect

Professional / Formal

Seek to Endeavor to Strive to Aim to Attempt to Undertake Propose Intend Plan Design Set out Pledge Vow Swear Obligate Bind Devote Dedicate Volunteer Offer Submit Petition Request Advocate Campaign Lobby Sue File Register Tender Propound Assert Maintain Contend Argue

Casual / Slang

Give it a shot Give it a go Take a stab Have a crack Fiddle Tinker Mess with Play with Check out Peep Scope Scope out Test drive Spin Run through Go through Give a whirl Give a bash Have a bash Go for it Whip up Knock out Toss Chuck Shoot Fire Poke Breeze through Skate through Wing it Freestyle Fake it Bumble Stumble Grope

Determined / Persistent

Persevere Persist Endure Soldier on Plug away Stick to it Press on Forge ahead Push forward Hang in Hold on Bear Stand Weather Brave Defy Resist Overcome Conquer Master Surmount Prevail Stomach Swallow Bite the bullet Grin and bear it Sweat it out Tough it out Gut it out Soldier through Slog Lumber Trudge Plod Press

Synonyms for Active Attempting

When 'try' means making a strong, direct effort to do something.

Attempt

To make an effort to achieve or complete something.

The scientist will attempt to replicate the experiment.
She attempted to climb the mountain but was stopped by bad weather.
He attempted a difficult dive in the final round.

Endeavor

To try hard to do or achieve something.

We will endeavor to deliver the project ahead of schedule.
The company endeavors to reduce its carbon footprint.
She endeavored to learn three new languages before graduation.

Strive

To make great efforts to achieve or obtain something.

We must strive for excellence in everything we do.
She strives to be the best player on the team.
The manager strives to maintain a positive work environment.

Undertake

To commit oneself to and begin an enterprise or responsibility.

The university will undertake a major renovation of the library.
She undertook the daunting task of organizing the archives.
No one was willing to undertake the risky mission.

Pursue

To follow or engage in a course of activity.

He decided to pursue a career in medicine.
She is pursuing a master's degree in engineering.
The detective pursued the suspect down the alley.

Tackle

To make determined efforts to deal with a problem or task.

We need to tackle the budget deficit immediately.
She tackled the difficult math problem head-on.
The team tackled the cleanup effort with great enthusiasm.

Embark

To begin a course of action, especially one that is demanding.

They embarked on a long journey across the desert.
The company is embarking on a new marketing strategy.
She embarked on a new career after turning forty.

Aim

To point or direct toward a target or goal.

We aim to finish the construction by November.
She aims to become a partner at the firm within five years.
The program aims to help underprivileged youth.

Aspire

To direct one's hopes or ambitions toward achieving something.

He aspires to be a bestselling novelist.
She aspires to make a difference in her community.
Many young actors aspire to win an Oscar.

Venture

To undertake a risky or daring journey or course of action.

They ventured into the dense jungle looking for ruins.
The company ventured into the Asian market last year.
She ventured a guess but was completely wrong.

Synonyms for Testing & Experimenting

When 'try' means evaluating, sampling, or putting something to the test.

Test

To take measures to check the quality, performance, or reliability of something.

The engineers will test the bridge for structural integrity.
The teacher decided to test the students on their knowledge of geometry.
We need to test the emergency alarm system.

Experiment

To try out new ideas or methods, especially in science.

The chef likes to experiment with different spices.
The researchers are experimenting with a new vaccine formula.
She experimented with different painting techniques.

Sample

To try a small part of something to see what it is like.

We sampled the local cuisine during our trip to Thailand.
The grocery store was sampling a new brand of cheese.
She sampled the perfume before deciding to buy it.

Evaluate

To form an idea of the amount, number, or value of something.

The committee will evaluate the proposals next week.
The doctor needs to evaluate the patient's progress.
We must evaluate the risks before investing.

Inspect

To look at something closely, typically to assess its condition.

The landlord came to inspect the apartment for damages.
The health inspector will inspect the restaurant's kitchen.
He inspected the car's tires before the long road trip.

Probe

To explore physically or metaphorically to uncover information.

The detective probed the witness for more details.
The surgeon probed the wound to ensure it was clean.
The journalist probed into the politician's past.

Analyze

To examine in detail to discover meaning or essential features.

The data scientist will analyze the survey results.
The coach analyzed the opponent's gameplay.
She analyzed the poem for hidden metaphors.

Assess

To evaluate or estimate the nature, ability, or quality of.

The teacher needs to assess the students' understanding.
We must assess the environmental impact of the project.
The insurance agent assessed the damage to the house.

Investigate

To carry out a systematic inquiry to discover facts.

The police are investigating the burglary.
The journalist investigated the corruption scandal.
Scientists are investigating the cause of the disease.

Explore

To inquire into or discuss a subject in detail.

The essay explores the theme of isolation in literature.
We need to explore all our options before deciding.
The therapist helped her explore her childhood trauma.

Professional & Formal Synonyms

Best for business emails, academic papers, and official settings.

Seek to

To attempt or desire to do something formally.

The company seeks to expand its operations globally.
We seek to provide the best service possible to our clients.
The plaintiff seeks to overturn the previous ruling.

Endeavor to

To try hard to do something in a formal context.

We will endeavor to respond to all inquiries within 24 hours.
Please endeavor to arrive on time for the meeting.
The staff endeavors to maintain a safe environment.

Strive to

To make great efforts toward a goal formally.

We strive to exceed customer expectations.
The organization strives to eliminate poverty.
Teachers strive to create an inclusive classroom.

Aim to

To intend or direct efforts toward a goal.

We aim to launch the product by the third quarter.
The program aims to reduce unemployment rates.
She aims to finish her thesis by December.

Intend

To have a course of action as one's purpose.

We intend to file the lawsuit next week.
She intends to retire early and travel the world.
The company intends to hire fifty new employees.

Propose

To put forward an idea or plan for consideration.

I propose that we delay the launch until next month.
She proposed a new theory to explain the anomaly.
The mayor proposed a new tax initiative.

Commit

To pledge or bind to a certain course or policy.

The company committed to reducing its carbon emissions.
She committed to volunteering every Saturday.
We need to commit more resources to this project.

Devote

To give all or a large part of one's time or resources to.

She devoted her life to medical research.
He devoted the weekend to fixing the house.
The team devoted all their energy to the final presentation.

Pledge

To commit to a cause or course of action solemnly.

The government pledged millions to disaster relief.
She pledged to support the charity annually.
He pledged his loyalty to the organization.

Volunteer

To freely offer to do something without coercion.

She volunteered to organize the office party.
He volunteered his time at the animal shelter.
Many citizens volunteered to help clean up the park.

Casual & Slang Synonyms

Conversational words perfect for informal writing and everyday speech.

Give it a shot

To make an attempt at something casually (idiom).

I've never played tennis, but I'll give it a shot.
If you think you can fix the TV, give it a shot.
Just apply for the scholarship; give it a shot!

Take a stab

To attempt something informally, often without full confidence.

I don't know the exact answer, but I'll take a stab at it.
He took a stab at fixing the leaky faucet.
Let me take a stab at explaining this diagram.

Have a crack

To attempt to do something, especially something difficult.

I've never solved a Rubik's cube, but I'll have a crack.
If you can't open the jar, let me have a crack.
She decided to have a crack at the crossword puzzle.

Tinker

To attempt to repair or improve something in a casual way.

He likes to tinker with old cars in the garage.
I'll tinker with the code to see if I can find the bug.
She tinkered with the recipe until it was perfect.

Fiddle

To make small, aimless movements to adjust something.

Stop fiddling with the thermostat.
He fiddled with the radio dial trying to find a signal.
She fiddled with her hair during the interview.

Check out

To look at or investigate something casually.

You have to check out this new restaurant downtown.
Let's check out the new video game console.
I'm going to check out that book from the library.

Scope out

To look at or evaluate a location or situation informally.

We should scope out the venue before the concert.
He went to scope out the competition's booth.
Let's scope out the new coffee shop before we commit.

Test drive

To try out a product or idea before committing.

We want to test drive the new software before buying it.
Let's test drive the car on the highway.
She wanted to test drive the idea with her manager.

Give a whirl

To try something out, often for the first time (idiom).

I've never used a Mac, but I'll give it a whirl.
Let's give the new recipe a whirl tonight.
He decided to give the new hobby a whirl.

Go for it

To attempt something with full enthusiasm.

You want to ask her out? Go for it!
If you want to start a business, go for it.
He decided to go for it and jump out of the plane.

Synonyms for Determination & Persistence

When 'try' means pushing through difficulty with unwavering resolve.

Persevere

To continue in a course of action despite difficulty.

Despite the setbacks, she persevered and finished the degree.
The team persevered through the grueling season.
He persevered in his studies, eventually passing the bar exam.

Persist

To continue firmly in an opinion or course of action.

She persisted in her demands for a safer workplace.
The rain persisted throughout the night.
He persisted until he solved the puzzle.

Endure

To suffer something painful or difficult patiently.

He had to endure years of physical therapy.
The ancient monument has endured for centuries.
She could not endure the pain any longer.

Press on

To continue moving forward despite obstacles.

The hikers pressed on through the heavy snow.
Despite the criticism, the mayor pressed on with her plan.
We must press on until the project is complete.

Forge ahead

To move forward strongly and steadily.

The company forged ahead with its expansion plans.
Despite the storm, the ship forged ahead.
She forged ahead with her research, ignoring the skeptics.

Weather

To survive a difficult situation or storm.

The small business managed to weather the economic crisis.
They weathered the storm in the basement.
The couple weathered many ups and downs over the years.

Brave

To face danger or pain courageously.

She braved the icy roads to get to the hospital.
The explorers braved the harsh conditions of the Arctic.
He braved the crowd to get a front-row seat.

Surmount

To overcome a difficulty or obstacle.

She surmounted the challenges of learning a new language.
The team surmounted a 10-point deficit to win.
He surmounted his fear of public speaking.

Prevail

To prove more powerful or superior in a struggle.

Justice will prevail in the end.
The underdog team prevailed against all odds.
Good will always prevail over evil.

Stick to it

To continue trying or working on something persistently (idiom).

If you stick to it, you'll learn to play the guitar.
She stuck to it and eventually got her promotion.
Don't give up; just stick to it!

Understanding Nuance

Why choosing the right word matters.

Attempt vs. Endeavor

Both mean to try, but attempt is a neutral, single effort to achieve a specific result. Endeavor is a serious, often long-term undertaking that implies a strong moral or professional commitment.

Test vs. Sample

Test implies rigorous evaluation to find flaws or measure performance (testing a car's brakes). Sample means taking a small taste or experience to see if you like it (sampling a soup).

50 Example Sentences

See these synonyms in action across 5 distinct categories.

Active Attempting & Effort

The scientist will attempt to replicate the experiment.
We will endeavor to deliver the project ahead of schedule.
We must strive for excellence in everything we do.
The university will undertake a major renovation of the library.
He decided to pursue a career in medicine.
We need to tackle the budget deficit immediately.
They embarked on a long journey across the desert.
We aim to finish the construction by November.
He aspires to be a bestselling novelist.
They ventured into the dense jungle looking for ruins.

Testing & Experimenting

The engineers will test the bridge for structural integrity.
The chef likes to experiment with different spices.
We sampled the local cuisine during our trip to Thailand.
The committee will evaluate the proposals next week.
The landlord came to inspect the apartment for damages.
The detective probed the witness for more details.
The data scientist will analyze the survey results.
The teacher needs to assess the students' understanding.
The police are investigating the burglary.
The essay explores the theme of isolation in literature.

Professional & Formal

The company seeks to expand its operations globally.
We will endeavor to respond to all inquiries within 24 hours.
We strive to exceed customer expectations.
We aim to launch the product by the third quarter.
We intend to file the lawsuit next week.
I propose that we delay the launch until next month.
The company committed to reducing its carbon emissions.
She devoted her life to medical research.
The government pledged millions to disaster relief.
She volunteered to organize the office party.

Casual & Everyday Slang

I've never played tennis, but I'll give it a shot.
I don't know the exact answer, but I'll take a stab at it.
I've never solved a Rubik's cube, but I'll have a crack.
He likes to tinker with old cars in the garage.
Stop fiddling with the thermostat.
You have to check out this new restaurant downtown.
We should scope out the venue before the concert.
We want to test drive the new software before buying it.
I've never used a Mac, but I'll give it a whirl.
You want to ask her out? Go for it!

Determination & Persistence

Despite the setbacks, she persevered and finished the degree.
She persisted in her demands for a safer workplace.
He had to endure years of physical therapy.
The hikers pressed on through the heavy snow.
The company forged ahead with its expansion plans.
The small business managed to weather the economic crisis.
She braved the icy roads to get to the hospital.
She surmounted the challenges of learning a new language.
Justice will prevail in the end.
If you stick to it, you'll learn to play the guitar.

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent vocabulary pitfalls.

Saying "try and" instead of "try to."

✓ Use "try to" in formal writing.

Explanation: Saying "I will try and fix it" is colloquial; "try to" is the standard infinitive form.

Tip: Always use "to" after "try" when followed by a verb.

Using "endeavor" for trivial tasks.

✓ Save "endeavor" for serious, formal efforts.

Explanation: Saying "I will endeavor to eat a sandwich" sounds ridiculous and overly dramatic.

Tip: Use "attempt" or "try" for minor daily tasks.

Using "sample" when you mean "test."

✓ Use "test" for evaluating performance, "sample" for tasting/experiencing.

Explanation: Saying "I sampled the car's brakes" sounds like you ate them. You "test" brakes for safety.

Tip: Sample = taste/experience; Test = evaluate/measure.

Using "tinker" in a formal business email.

✓ Use "analyze" or "review" instead.

Explanation: Saying "I will tinker with the Q3 data" sounds too casual and aimless for business.

Tip: Match your slang to your informal friends, not your professional network.

Misspelling "endeavor" as "endeavour" in American English.

✓ Use "endeavor" for US English.

Explanation: Endeavour is the British spelling; endeavor is the American spelling.

Tip: Remember: America drops the 'u' in endeavor, just like color.

Using "test drive" for non-product concepts.

✓ Use "trial" or "pilot" for abstract ideas.

Explanation: Saying "we will test drive the new CEO" sounds absurd and objectifying.

Tip: Reserve "test drive" for cars, software, or physical products.

Using "attempt" as a noun unnecessarily (e.g., "make an attempt").

✓ Use it as a verb (e.g., "attempt to").

Explanation: "He will make an attempt to call" is wordy. "He will attempt to call" is stronger.

Tip: Avoid "make a [noun]" when the verb form is available.

Confusing "persevere" (continue) with "attempt" (try once).

✓ Use "persevere" only for ongoing, difficult struggles.

Explanation: Saying "I persevered to open the jar" is overkill; it implies a multi-year battle.

Tip: Use "persevere" for life struggles, "try" for jars.

Saying "give a whirl" in an academic paper.

✓ Use "experiment with" or "test."

Explanation: Idioms like "give it a whirl" are too casual and conversational for formal writing.

Tip: Replace casual idioms with precise verbs in academic work.

Using "try" when you actually succeeded.

✓ Use past tense success verbs (e.g., "I fixed it").

Explanation: Saying "I tried to fix the sink" implies you failed. If it works, say "I fixed it."

Tip: Don't undermine your own success by using the word "try."

Correct vs. Incorrect Examples

Contextual usage comparisons.

Incorrect / Awkward

I will try and finish the report by Friday.

Correct / Better

I will try to finish the report by Friday.

Why: "Try to" is the grammatically correct infinitive construction for formal writing.

Incorrect / Awkward

I will endeavor to eat a slice of pizza.

Correct / Better

I will attempt to eat a slice of pizza.

Why: "Endeavor" is far too formal and dramatic for the simple act of eating pizza.

Incorrect / Awkward

The mechanic sampled the brakes to ensure they worked.

Correct / Better

The mechanic tested the brakes to ensure they worked.

Why: You "test" mechanical parts for safety, not "sample" them, which implies tasting.

Incorrect / Awkward

I will tinker with the financial projections.

Correct / Better

I will review the financial projections.

Why: "Tinker" implies casual, aimless adjustment, which is inappropriate for financial data.

Incorrect / Awkward

He persevered to open the jar of pickles.

Correct / Better

He attempted to open the jar of pickles.

Why: "Persevere" implies a long-term, heroic struggle against adversity, not a simple household task.

Incorrect / Awkward

We will give the new CEO a whirl.

Correct / Better

We will evaluate the new CEO's performance.

Why: Using slang like "give a whirl" to evaluate an executive is highly unprofessional.

Incorrect / Awkward

I sampled the math equation to see if it worked.

Correct / Better

I tested the math equation to see if it worked.

Why: You test logic and equations; you sample food or experiences.

Incorrect / Awkward

She made an attempt to explain the rules.

Correct / Better

She attempted to explain the rules.

Why: Using the verb form directly is stronger and less wordy than "made an attempt to."

Incorrect / Awkward

Let's take a stab at the president.

Correct / Better

Let's pitch our idea to the president.

Why: The phrase "take a stab at" can literally sound like an assassination attempt when applied directly to a person.

Incorrect / Awkward

He tried to win the race and crossed the finish line first.

Correct / Better

He won the race and crossed the finish line first.

Why: If he won, saying he "tried" undermines his actual success; use the definitive verb.

🎮 Mini Quiz

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Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to common questions.

Why should I use words other than 'try'?

Using a variety of synonyms prevents your writing from sounding repetitive and generic. It also allows you to express the exact degree and nature of the effort. 'Endeavor' and 'test' are both forms of trying, but they paint very different pictures for the reader.

What is the strongest word for 'try'?

'Endeavor' and 'strive' are generally considered the strongest English verbs for trying. They describe a serious, sustained effort to achieve something difficult, often with a sense of moral duty.

What is a professional way to say 'try'?

In a professional or business setting, words like 'attempt,' 'endeavor,' 'seek to,' and 'strive to' are excellent choices. They convey commitment and professionalism while maintaining a formal tone.

What is the difference between 'try to' and 'try and'?

'Try to' is the grammatically correct standard form for formal writing. 'Try and' is a colloquialism common in casual speech but should be avoided in essays and professional emails.

Are slang words like 'give it a shot' understood in America?

Yes, most Americans understand 'give it a shot' as a casual idiom for attempting something. However, it should be strictly avoided in formal or professional writing.

Is 'attempt' a formal word?

Yes, 'attempt' sits comfortably in formal contexts. It is more neutral than 'endeavor' but significantly more professional and precise than the casual 'try' in business or academic writing.

Can 'sample' be used for things other than food?

Yes. While typically used for tasting, you can 'sample' an experience, a culture, or a piece of music. It means to take a small part of something to see what the whole is like.

What is a good synonym for 'try' in poetry?

Poetry often favors evocative words. 'Venture,' 'aspire,' 'persevere,' and 'endure' are excellent choices because they carry strong emotional weight and imagery far beyond the plain word 'try.'

Should I avoid using the word 'try' entirely?

No, 'try' is a perfectly good word. The goal isn't to erase it from your vocabulary, but to use it when it is the most precise word, and to use stronger or more specific synonyms when 'try' feels too generic or weak.

What does it mean to 'persevere'?

To 'persevere' means to continue trying to do something or achieve something despite difficulty, delay, or opposition. It implies a long-term struggle where one refuses to give up.