verb

attempt or try.

Donald essayed a smile

attempt,make an attempt at,try,strive,aim,venture,endeavour,seek,set out,do one’s best,do all one can,do one’s utmost,make an effort,make every effort,spare no effort,give one’s all,take it on oneself,have a go at,undertake,embark on,try one’s hand at,try out,take on,give it a whirl,give it one’s best shot,go all out,pull out all the stops,bend over backwards,knock oneself out,bust a gut,break one’s neck,move heaven and earth,have a crack at,have a shot at,have a stab at