stab vs attempt

stab and attempt both are nouns.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
stab	Yes	No	Yes	No
attempt	Yes	No	Yes	No

As nouns, attempt is a hypernym of stab; that is, attempt is a word with a broader meaning than stab:

stab: informal words for any attempt or effort
attempt: earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

Other hypernyms of stab include effort, endeavor, endeavour, try.

stab (noun)	attempt (noun)
a strong blow with a knife or other sharp pointed instrument	earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
informal words for any attempt or effort	the act of attacking
a sudden sharp feeling

stab (verb)	attempt (verb)
stab or pierce	enter upon an activity or enterprise
poke or thrust abruptly	make an effort or attempt
use a knife on