strive

verb \ ˈstrīv \

Updated on: 8 Apr 2018

Definition of strive

strove play \ˈstrōv\ also strived play \ˈstrīvd\; striven play \ˈstri-vən\ or strived; striving play \ˈstrī-viŋ\

intransitive verb

1 : to devote serious effort or energy : endeavor

strive to finish a project

2 : to struggle in opposition : contend

—

striver

play \ˈstrī-vər\ noun

See strive defined for English-language learners

See strive defined for kids

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 of strive from the Web

Groups that strive to improve Rancho Bernardo’s health and well being can apply for up to $10,000 in grants that will be awarded later this year.

— elizabeth marie himchak, Rancho Bernardo, "Rancho Bernardo grants to focus on health and wellness," 4 Apr. 2018
With better transparency and advocacy on behalf of our patients, we as physicians must strive for the most cost-effective care.

— jules lipoff, STAT, "Sign up for our First Opinion newsletter," 3 Apr. 2018
Finding love amidst war, serenity amidst confinement, hope amidst destruction, laughter amidst death, and striving for dreams despite losing a home.

— refinery29.com, "On Muslim Women's Day, Portraits Of Resilience And Strength," 27 Mar. 2018
But just getting everyone around the table at one time is something to strive for, especially when kids get a little older and their schedules stack up.

— jenny rosenstratch, Bon Appetit, "4 Fast Family Dinner Ideas for Busy Weeknights," 10 Jan. 2018
Each Circle discussion centers on one of Franklin’s thirteen virtues—a list of personal attributes worth striving for, one of Franklin’s many attempts at life coaching.

— rachel aviv, The New Yorker, "Benjamin Franklin Invented the Chat Room," 1 Dec. 2014
Other research links lack of confidence among women to their being encouraged during childhood to be compliant and agreeable and to strive for perfection rather than to compete and take risks.

— gerard baker, WSJ, "The 10-Point.," 20 Mar. 2018
Ridgewell will need to once again anchor the backline as the Timbers strive to put in a better defensive performance against the Red Bulls Saturday.

— jamie goldberg, OregonLive.com, "Portland Timbers travel to face New York Red Bulls: Players to watch, TV channel," 8 Mar. 2018
Spending to curb pollution will rise 19 percent to 40.5 billion as authorities strive to make greater progress on one of their key objectives, Li said.

— Bloomberg.com, "China Turns Fiscal Screws While Maintaining 6.5% Red Line on GDP," 5 Mar. 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.