strive

verb
\ ˈstrīv How to pronounce strive (audio) \
strove\ ˈstrōv How to pronounce strive (audio) \ also strived\ ˈstrīvd How to pronounce strive (audio) \; striven\ ˈstri-​vən How to pronounce strive (audio) \ or strived; striving\ ˈstrī-​viŋ How to pronounce strive (audio) \

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

striver \ ˈstrī-​vər How to pronounce strive (audio) \ noun

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 Thanks to a unique blend of essentials oils, these bath salts strive to help relieve fatigue, soothe sore muscles and joints. Annie O’sullivan, Good Housekeeping, 15 Apr. 2022 Outside of work, people must strive for a balance of action and inaction. Sherry Walling, Fortune, 11 Apr. 2022 The decision-makers will strive to put the others in favorable matchups to succeed. Los Angeles Times, 6 Apr. 2022 Most luthiers are wise to this and many strive to be mindful of the provenance of their raw materials. Ellen Ruppel Shell, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Apr. 2022 Despite the uncertainty of safety and protection, trans people still strive to make a better life for themselves and advocate for their community. Keara Shannon, ABC News, 19 Mar. 2022 The Ravens will strive for defensive greatness again in 2022 after an underwhelming 2021. Jonas Shaffer, Baltimore Sun, 17 Mar. 2022 Metro girls strive to remain cool and upbeat, but often find themselves in depressive spirals or making others feel bad. Alice Roth, Wired, 14 Mar. 2022 The more digitally astute organizations have learned that usability standards for workplace technology must strive to be at the same levels as consumer-facing tech. Joe Peppard And Kristine Dery, WSJ, 6 Mar. 2022 See More

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.

First Known Use of strive

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for strive

Middle English, to quarrel, contend, fight, endeavor, from Anglo-French estriver to quarrel, from estri, estrif strife — more at strife

Learn More About strive

Time Traveler for strive

Time Traveler

The first known use of strive was in the 13th century

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Dictionary Entries Near strive

strisciando

strive

strix

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Statistics for strive

Last Updated

19 Apr 2022

Cite this Entry

“Strive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/strive. Accessed 23 Apr. 2022.

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More Definitions for strive

strive

verb
\ ˈstrīv How to pronounce strive (audio) \
strove\ ˈstrōv \; striven\ ˈstri-​vən \ or strived; striving\ ˈstrī-​viŋ \

Kids Definition of strive

: to try very hard We will strive to win.

More from Merriam-Webster on strive

Nglish: Translation of strive for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of strive for Arabic Speakers

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