1
as in to stumble
to proceed or act clumsily or ineffectually
each week I would struggle through my piano lesson, keenly aware that I wasn't getting any better
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to strive
to devote serious and sustained effort
the financially strapped couple struggled to make ends meet
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in fight
a forceful effort to reach a goal or objective
a performer's long struggle to achieve success
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2
as in clash
a physical dispute between opposing individuals or groups
there was a struggle between the armed robber and the shopkeeper, and the gun went off
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in battle
an earnest effort for superiority or victory over another
her staunchest supporters in her struggle for the office
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of struggle
Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 11 May 2025
Megill struggled with his command, putting the first three batters on before getting an out.
—Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 11 May 2025
Matt Weyrich, Baltimore Sun, 10 May 2025
And working to recognize the difference between debilitating struggles (such as those that led to MJ Melendez being sent to Triple-A Omaha) and staying the course because of belief or encouraging signs — as with Massey (hitting .206).
—Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for struggle
Verb
Similarly, just as the Heat did not have a Plan B for Tyler Herro being taken out, the Pacers struggled in that aspect in Game 3 against the Cavaliers.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 11 May 2025
Megill struggled with his command, putting the first three batters on before getting an out.
—Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 11 May 2025
Noun
The Orioles’ lineup is dotted with hitters facing early struggles, particularly with runners in scoring position.
—Matt Weyrich, Baltimore Sun, 10 May 2025
And working to recognize the difference between debilitating struggles (such as those that led to MJ Melendez being sent to Triple-A Omaha) and staying the course because of belief or encouraging signs — as with Massey (hitting .206).
—Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for struggle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for struggle
Verb
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Still, many times, most seasoned and skilled leaders stumble from time to time.—
Phil Portman,
Forbes.com,
9 May 2025
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Meanwhile, the only truly happy artist in Ira’s friend group — played to uproarious perfection by Stanley Tucci — isn’t even much of an artist at all but a shameless name-dropper who seems to stumble into constant success without even trying.—
Jim Hemphill,
IndieWire,
9 May 2025
Verb
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Cupich described the pope as an organized and meticulous worker who is humble and strives to take in a variety of different perspectives.—
Angie Leventis Lourgos,
Chicago Tribune,
9 May 2025
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Martinez also serves as a mentor for both the Reel Champs’ Executive Diversity Mentorship Program, as well as the Group Effort Initiative Mentorship Program, which strives to create a pipeline for members of underrepresented communities to establish long-term careers within entertainment.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
8 May 2025
Noun
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The court appearance had stalled last month due to a fight over access to a parole document.—
Karim Doumar,
Los Angeles Times,
10 May 2025
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But in his first homily on Friday since being made leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo highlighted the church’s fight against rising atheism.—
Caitlin McFall,
FOXNews.com,
9 May 2025
Noun
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Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan’s arrest and ensuing indictment has escalated a clash between President Donald Trump’s administration and local authorities over the Republican’s sweeping immigration crackdown.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2025
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Dugan's arrest has escalated a clash between the Trump administration and Democrats over the Republican president's sweeping immigration crackdown.—
Dan Gooding
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 May 2025
Noun
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As a 60-person battle royale, matches can be extremely long and, in tournament play, repeat over and over for hours until a winning team can be crowned.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
20 May 2025
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One scene sure to be an audience favorite has David and his antagonist facing off on either side of the glass wall in a recording studio, sparking a hilarious impromptu rap battle of sorts.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
19 May 2025
Verb
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Car loans have grown steadily longer in recent years, as buyers labor to keep pace with rising prices.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2025
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Holmes labored through four innings and the Dodgers welcomed Braves reliever Enyel De Los Santos with three hits and another run in the fifth, Will Smith driving it in with a two-out single.—
Bill Plunkett,
Oc Register,
1 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The project has been anchored by the relentless efforts of Wood and Orr, experts in rubbing elbows and working a crowd and the phones.—
Joe Davidson,
Sacbee.com,
11 May 2025
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The Capitals did a better job of countering in Game 2 and tied the series behind a strong two-way effort from Tom Wilson.—
Aaron Beard,
Baltimore Sun,
11 May 2025
Noun
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Past skirmishes with Pakistan had allowed Modi to construct a triumphalist narrative of strength that played to his domestic audience.—
Vaibhav Vats,
The Atlantic,
21 May 2025
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Türkiye has been vocal about its support for Pakistan in the wake of the border skirmishes, and India has severed ties with several of its businesses and universities.—
Jasreen Mayal Khanna,
AFAR Media,
19 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Struggle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/struggle. Accessed 24 May. 2025.
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