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

Most of them truly love working in hospitality and strive to make your vacation special. —Jill Schildhouse, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2026

As the agency continues to grow, strengthening its infrastructure, TSD strives to preserve the intimacy that first defined those early kitchen-table sessions. —Contributor, USA Today, 27 Feb. 2026

The Highlanders are joined by 10 other Orlando area teams striving to advance to the FHSAA state tournament, which moves to the University of North Florida in Jacksonville this year. —Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2026

The City continues to strive to replace and correct issues with its aging infrastructure, while keeping in mind the financial constraints of its ratepayers. —Kaicey Baylor, CBS News, 26 Feb. 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