Synonyms of trying

trying 1 of 2

adjective

ˈtrī-iŋ 

as in hard

difficult to endure

a harrowing account of the trying conditions experienced by the climbers before they were rescued

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hard
• tough
• searing
• harsh
• oppressive
• rough
• brutal
• severe
• cruel
• heavy
• painful
• grim
• onerous
• excruciating
• burdensome
• rugged
• bitter
• inhuman
• bleak
• murderous
• hardhanded
• stiff
• strict
• grievous
• uncomfortable
• forbidding
• unpleasant
• bad
• biting
• unbearable
• rigorous
• crushing
• inhospitable
• overwhelming
• wearing
• discomforting
• agonizing
• stringent
• grinding
• austere
• wild
• spartan
• intemperate
• inclement
• hostile
• heartbreaking
• intolerable
• wretched
• comfortless
• tortuous
• harrowing
• unendurable
• disagreeable
• heartrending
• insufferable
• unfriendly
• insupportable

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• easy
• light
• soft
• comfortable
• pleasant
• friendly
• luxurious
• agreeable
• cozy
• hospitable
• peaceful
• relaxing
• restful
• genial
• moderate
• calm
• gentle
• snug
• tolerable
• painless
• mild
• bearable
• temperate
• reposeful
• balmy
• endurable
• clement

trying

2 of 2

verb

present participle of try

1

as in stretching

to subject (a personal quality or faculty) to often excessive stress

you're trying my patience

Synonyms & Similar Words

• stretching
• pushing
• straining
• testing
• taxing
• getting (to)
• bothering
• annoying
• pressuring
• demanding
• irritating
• harassing
• importuning
• exacting
• pestering
• exasperating
• pressing
• aggravating
• hassling
• paining
• harrying
• agitating
• vexing
• riling
• gnawing (at)
• grating
• spiting
• galling
• irking
• nettling
• peeving

2

as in attempting

to make an effort to do

try to unlock the door

will try to call later tonight

Synonyms & Similar Words

• attempting
• striving
• seeking
• endeavoring
• hoping
• struggling
• working
• shooting at
• assaying
• essaying
• aiming
• having a go at
• fighting
• trying one's hand (at)
• toiling
• undertaking
• troubling
• aspiring
• straining
• assuming
• taking up

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• dropping
• giving up
• quitting

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of trying

Adjective

When your spouse passes away, this can be a very trying and confusing time. — Thomas Hager, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025

Jax is in the middle of his most trying experience since his rookie season. — Dan Hayes, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2025

Verb

Hospital staff, her lawyers said, were working to save Pike’s life and as of late Thursday were trying to clear the two doses of the drug that the state uses to execute prisoners. — ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026

Together, these brothers love making each other laugh, being active and trying new things. — The Star, Kansas City Star, 3 Oct. 2026