strive

verb

ˈstrīv 

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

intransitive verb

1

: to devote serious effort or energy : endeavor

strive to finish a project

2

: to struggle in opposition : contend

striver

ˈstrī-vər 

noun

Synonyms of strive

• try
• attempt

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

Katie strives to use catering companies that adhere to the teachings of the Make America Healthy Again movement, one regular guest says, which encourages the consumption of raw milk and the avoidance of seed oils. — Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 8 Oct. 2026

Allin, who is the AEW TNT champion, strives to win AEW tag team gold with Borden, after winning it with Borden’s father, the legendary Sting. — James Varsallone, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2026

While Indiana and Hoover are striving for perfection as the program aims to defend its national title, TCU is just hoping to score more than two touchdowns against a Power Four opponent. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Oct. 2026

So that was something that Mike really strived to capture in this film, and lucky for us, the elements really helped in that way. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2026

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

Rhymes for strive

• dive
• drive
• five
• hive
• jive
• live
• thrive
• alive
• archive
• arrive
• beehive
• connive

Kids Definition

strive

verb

ˈstrīv 

strove ˈstrōv  also strived ˈstrīvd  ; striven ˈstriv-ən  or strived; striving ˈstrī-viŋ 

1

: to try hard : endeavor

strive to win

2

: to struggle against : contend

striver

ˈstrī-vər 

noun