"Made a stab" is an idiomatic expression that means to make an attempt at something, usually with an uncertain outcome. It is a versatile phrase that can be used in various contexts, such as work, sports, or creative endeavors. However, if you want to avoid repetition or make your writing more creative, there are several synonyms that you can use instead of "made a stab." Some of these alternatives include "had a go," "took a crack at," "gave it a shot," "tried one's hand at," or "made an effort." Each of these phrases conveys the same idea as "made a stab," but with a slightly different connotation or tone.