endeavor 1 of 2

as in attempt
an effort to do or accomplish something the hope that this latest endeavor will yield much information about the atmosphere of the planet

Synonyms & Similar Words

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endeavor

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb endeavor differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of endeavor are attempt, essay, strive, and try. While all these words mean "to make an effort to accomplish an end," endeavor heightens the implications of exertion and difficulty.

endeavored to find crash survivors in the mountains

Where would attempt be a reasonable alternative to endeavor?

The synonyms attempt and endeavor are sometimes interchangeable, but attempt stresses the initiation or beginning of an effort.

will attempt to photograph the rare bird

When might essay be a better fit than endeavor?

Although the words essay and endeavor have much in common, essay implies difficulty but also suggests tentative trying or experimenting.

will essay a dramatic role for the first time

In what contexts can strive take the place of endeavor?

The meanings of strive and endeavor largely overlap; however, strive implies great exertion against great difficulty and specifically suggests persistent effort.

continues to strive for peace

How do try and attempt relate to one another, in the sense of endeavor?

Try is often close to attempt but may stress effort or experiment made in the hope of testing or proving something.

tried to determine which was the better procedure

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of endeavor
Noun
The friends are known to show their support for each other, often uniting to champion charitable organizations and endeavors. Toria Sheffield, People.com, 23 Mar. 2025 Throughout her endeavors with the TGP, conducting various lectures globally, and creating new works, Catlett remained steadfast in advocating for Black American and Mexican communities. Okla Jones, Essence, 23 Mar. 2025
Verb
Though we are devastated by this loss, each of us in the Eastern District of Virginia will look to her example and endeavor to live up to that standard. Jonathan Limehouse, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2025 Once the institution opened in 1833 with space for more than 400 veterans, naval officers endeavored to provide a comfortable life for the residents. Made By History, TIME, 20 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for endeavor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for endeavor
Noun
  • Cats are also known to not only knock but ring doorbells in an attempt at getting inside.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Trump's probe, announced on Tuesday, is viewed as an attempt to push back on leading critical minerals producer China, and comes on top of reviews into pharmaceutical and chip imports.
    Anmol Choubey, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • If a cell harbors many black morphogens, for example, and a neighboring cell harbors few of them, then the molecules strive to move such that they are distributed as evenly as possible.
    Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 16 Apr. 2025
  • The school could strive for excellence and integrity while doing fewer things.
    Jeannie Suk Gersen, New Yorker, 15 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Paramount Global is trying to merge with Skydance Media.
    Alex Sherman, CNBC, 17 Apr. 2025
  • President Donald Trump and his allies in power are trying to erect an authoritarian Mafia state like the one Vladimir Putin and his cronies established in Russia.
    Garry Kasparov, The Atlantic, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • And their struggling offense is becoming a major concern.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Now, nearly a month after signing, the Tucson, Arizona, native is finally back in the big leagues, thanks to the struggling Braves' desperation to fill their outfield slots.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Then there are interviews, scoops, and other kinds of highly specific reporting; a reporter might labor for months to unearth new information, only for A.I. to hoover it up and fold it into some bland summary.
    Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Tribal leaders have long labored to be treated as equals by American politicians.
    Sheryl Gay Stolberg, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • By then, Reggie was 31, had graduated college and was working for a pharmaceutical company near San Antonio.
    Paul LaRosa, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Tan was most recently president of Loewe Asia, and has worked for a host of European luxury brands out of Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Tokyo.
    Miles Socha, Footwear News, 11 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Endeavor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/endeavor. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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