strive

verb

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)

intransitive verb

1
: to devote serious effort or energy : endeavor
strive to finish a project
2
: to struggle in opposition : contend
striver 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Dunham, in turn, strives to find new ways of expressing the emotion, through disarming dialogue and affecting tableaux. Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 10 July 2025 Founded in 886 by King Alfred the Great, The Royal Mint strives to marry its illustrious history with innovations in sustainable sourcing of precious metals. Kyle Roderick, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025 Shop at a local, sustainable businesses This community is a hub of small businesses that strive to minimize their environmental footprint. AFAR Media, 7 July 2025 Other methods suggested by the AKC include using a cookie sheet or muffin pan to spread out the food, or even hand-feeding. Petunia, however, seems to have found her own unique solution without needing special equipment, demonstrating a level of control that many owners strive for. Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for strive

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Strive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/strive. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

strive

verb
strove ˈstrōv How to pronounce strive (audio) also strived ˈstrīvd How to pronounce strive (audio) ; striven ˈstriv-ən How to pronounce strive (audio) or strived; striving ˈstrī-viŋ How to pronounce strive (audio)
1
: to try hard : endeavor
strive to win
2
: to struggle against : contend
striver noun

More from Merriam-Webster on strive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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