ENDEAVOR Synonyms: 119 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

endeavor 1 of 2

noun

Definition of endeavor

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

in-ˈde-vər

as in to strive

to devote serious and sustained effort the trapped climber endeavored mightily to get the boulder to budge

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to attempt

to make an effort to do our club is forever endeavoring to find ways to raise more money for activities

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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

So the company began towing the Flight 13 Ship to shore — an endeavor that initially seemed doomed to failure. — Mike Wall, Space.com, 27 Aug. 2026 In their statements, the former presidents praised both Parton’s music and philanthropic endeavors. — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 26 Aug. 2026

Verb

Italy’s defense ministry transferred ownership to the town of Affi in 2018, and in 2022 the University of Florence endeavored on a study to map the bunker’s expansive reach. — Andy Battaglia, ARTnews.com, 7 Aug. 2026 France and Germany are pursuing a new initiative to boost industrial provisions and protect jobs, as Europe endeavors to shield its businesses from China. — Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for endeavor

Recent Examples of Synonyms for endeavor

Noun

Shein's Hong Kong debut comes after earlier attempts to go public in New York and London did not materialize.

— Jenny Lee, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026
Smith hit the next pitch to right field, just out of the reach of a diving attempt by Braden Montgomery for a triple.

— LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of attempt

Verb

Three days later, the team brought in Moody, the former Michigan standout who has also struggled at times in his young career.

— Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
Restaurants and private grocery stores are struggling to stay open because of higher supply costs and lower consumption.

— Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of struggle

Verb

Humans engaged user interfaces to command software and engage with outputs like dashboards, while APIs labored in the background.

— George C. Lee II, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026
Thoroughly unimpressed by her suburban idyll, and evidently unmoved by her responsibilities as wife and mother, Denise labors in her basement on a novel whose protagonist wishes to forsake her family for a life in New York.

— Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of labor

Verb

That's because the sink and invisible dual-burner induction cooktop are concealed below a sliding top that works just like a bar or table when retracted.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026
Upon the Lincoln’s arrival in the morning, service members could be seen working aboard the deck as loudspeakers played announcements about the process for disembarkation.

— Mosheh Gains, NBC news, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of work

Browse Nearby Words

endear (to)

endeavor

endeavored

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Style

“Endeavor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/endeavor. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of endeavor

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verb

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