strive

verb

\ 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

For those who strive to be all and are struggling with priorities, Burnett shared the analogy of juggling rubber and glass balls at the same time. — Rose Meily, The Mercury News, "Ways to de-stress and stay on top of the Bay Area Real estate game," 5 July 2019 Mr Xi is an authoritarian who strives for centralised control. — The Economist, "Xi Jinping wants China’s armed forces to be “world-class” by 2050," 27 June 2019 The Gathering Place, the nonprofit that strives to make life better for those with cancer and their families and friends, has released a schedule of programs taking place in July at its east-side location, 23300 Commerce Park in Beachwood. — cleveland.com, "Seersucker Day in University Heights July 18; All Out of Love at Cain Park; more: Press Run," 21 June 2019 While Spago strives to keep reinventing itself through the decades, Chinois on Main and its Asian-fusion menu wallow in the past. — Patricia Escárcega, latimes.com, "Beyond Spago, exploring Wolfgang Puck’s L.A. empire at Cut and Chinois on Main," 27 June 2019 Since 2005, Fort Bend Cares has awarded more than $2 million in grants to organizations that strive to improve the lives of the youngest members or the community. — Staff Report, Houston Chronicle, "Fort Bend Care’s grants help nonprofits that work with youths," 27 June 2019 Is this a movie that springs from the idea of what men think women want from love, instead of striving to connect with anything—beyond the Beatles, that is—that’s actually appealing to women? — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, "Yesterday Is a Rom-Com That’s Perfectly Charming If You Don’t Look Too Closely," 26 June 2019 Fast food was initially created with middle-class, striving families in mind. — Rachel Sugar, Vox, "Drive-Thru Dreams: A Journey Through the Heart of America’s Fast-Food Kingdom," 26 June 2019 Rafa Benitez was a lifeline for the club: ambitious, urging them to improve and strive. — SI.com, "Rafa Benitez's Exit From Newcastle Confirms Toon Army's Worst Fears Under Mike Ashley's Ownership," 24 June 2019

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.