strive

verb

\ˈstrīv

strove\ˈstrōv

\ also strived\ˈstrīvd

\; striven\ˈstri-vən

\ or strived; striving\ˈstrī-viŋ

Definition of strive

intransitive verb

1 : to devote serious effort or energy : endeavor strive to finish a project

2 : to struggle in opposition : contend

Other Words from strive Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about strive

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Choose the Right Synonym for strive

attempt, try, endeavor, essay, strive mean to make an effort to accomplish an end. attempt stresses the initiation or beginning of an effort. will attempt to photograph the rare bird 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 heightens the implications of exertion and difficulty. endeavored to find crash survivors in the mountains essay implies difficulty but also suggests tentative trying or experimenting. will essay a dramatic role for the first time strive implies great exertion against great difficulty and specifically suggests persistent effort. continues to strive for peace

Examples of strive in a Sentence

We must all strive to do better. She always strives for perfection. They continue to strive toward their goals.

Recent Examples on the Web

This is why, in practical terms, striving for the Rawlsian ideal matters. — Zack Beauchamp, Vox, "The 2018 campaign revealed the true fissure in American democracy," 6 Nov. 2018 With jamming, absolute precision is impossible, but the robot strives for it nonetheless. — Liz Stinson, Curbed, "Watch a robot build columns out of only gravel and string," 15 Oct. 2018 What does striving for adoption, or fostering, look like for a Black couple in a working class household? — refinery29.com, "TV Has Made Major Strides With Gay Dads — Except For This Big Problem," 14 June 2018 Technologies like GoreTex or Patagonia’s H2No strive to keep out water from the outside, while simultaneously allowing your sweat to evaporate off your body and escape. — Colleen Stinchcombe, SELF, "7 Tips for Packing All the Right Clothing for Your First Backpacking Trip," 24 Oct. 2018 Qi is a standard, and a phone should strive to work with every charger. — Ron Amadeo, Ars Technica, "DRM for chargers? Google Pixel 3 locks fast Qi charging to certified chargers [Update]," 23 Oct. 2018 Amid the struggle, the couple strives for normalcy, for experiences most people can enjoy without a second thought. — Fox News, "Living with fear: Vegas shooting survivor, wife march on," 27 Sep. 2018 Russian law enforcement strived to present a tolerant image during the World Cup, but police have already shown less tolerance against protesters since the tournament ended. — Tales Azzoni, The Seattle Times, "Organizers claim 170 people tried to run on field at WCup," 25 Sep. 2018 Oil and gas executives strive to maintain company profits, which seemingly means doing everything in their power to hold back the transition from fossil fuels to clean, renewable energy. — Izzi Graj, Teen Vogue, "Climate Change Needs to Be an Important Platform for Elected Leaders, and Here’s Why," 14 Sep. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'strive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.