strive

verb

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\ 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 Leaders should strive to seek out a partner that incorporates a varied range of experience options into their offering. — Scott Cullather And Kristina Mccoobery, Forbes, "A New Era Of Culture Shaping Has Emerged. Here’s How To Embrace It.," 26 Apr. 2021 In a new biography, Mark Stevens and Annalyn Swan strive to bring into focus the elusive figure of the artist himself. — Washington Post, "Francis Bacon was an elusive figure. A new biography presents novel details of his iconoclastic existence.," 31 Mar. 2021 Conservatives, for their own as well as the campus’s benefit, should strive to make practical allies out of our ideological opponents. — Isaac Schorr, National Review, "A Game Plan for Campus Conservatives," 17 Mar. 2021 And Klara and the Sun doesn’t strive for uncanniness. — Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, "Kazuo Ishiguro’s Radiant Robot," 2 Mar. 2021 Instead, strive to be upbeat and positive and simply ask if there might be ways – in communication or process – that could streamline collaboration. — Johnny C. Taylor Jr., USA TODAY, "How do I politely decline the company holiday party amid COVID-19? Ask HR," 2 Dec. 2020 The Dandy’s ambience, Krick said, will strive for a level of refinement clad in dark wood and polished brass without the Jameson- and Guinness-postered kitschiness found in many English- and Irish-themed bars on this side of the pond. — Paul Stephen, San Antonio Express-News, "British pub and restaurant with fish and chips, The Dandy, to open in downtown San Antonio soon," 13 Apr. 2021 Always strive to be accessible and attentive to customers. — Sara Steever, Forbes, "Independent Seed Companies Deliver Big Harvest When It Comes To Marketing Insights," 12 Apr. 2021 Making money is a good thing, and most people strive to make as much as possible. — Tom Cooney And Crystal Faulkner, The Enquirer, "BusinessWise: Get wise to what triggers a tax audit," 26 Jan. 2021

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.