struggle 1 of 2

verb

ˈstrə-gəl How to pronounce struggle (audio)
Definition of strugglenext
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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struggle

2 of 2

noun

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 battle
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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3
as in rivalry
an earnest effort for superiority or victory over another her staunchest supporters in her struggle for the office

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of struggle
Verb
Renters are also becoming a bigger force in Los Angeles politics, particularly as younger residents struggle with housing costs and the prospect of ever owning a home, Bonin said. — Linh Tat, Daily News, 7 Nov. 2026 Lloyd launched his solo career with the 1979 release of Alchemy, but struggles with substance abuse derailed his career in the years that followed. — Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 7 Nov. 2026
Noun
Of the possibilities of a better world born out of struggle against totalitarianism. — Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2026 His struggles under new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniels are seen as a large factor in the Chargers’ unexpected 0-7 record. — Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for struggle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for struggle
  1. stumble
  2. strive
  3. fight
  4. battle
  5. rivalry
  6. labor
  7. effort
  8. clash
Verb
  • The last chance for the Mountaineers ended when Hawkins stumbled and fell in the end zone for a safety in the final two minutes.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Nov. 2026
  • For seven games, Myles Garrett could only watch the Rams from a stadium suite, on television or from the sideline as the team favored to win the Super Bowl stumbled to a slow start.
    — Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of stumble
Verb
  • Here’s the feckless poor, here’s the striving poor, here’s the oblivious cheerful poor, here’s the drug addict, here’s the drunk.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Nov. 2026
  • UConn Women’s Basketball is proud to play in our Basketball is for Everyone Pride game and strives for a culture of inclusion and equity.
    — Kels Dayton, Hartford Courant, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of strive
Noun
  • The suspect's family claims the fight was in retaliation to bullying.
    — Jennifer McLogan, CBS News, 7 Nov. 2026
  • The two took the fight in the crowd for a brief moment where Orton levied his attack on Rhodes with a trash can.
    — Ryan Gaydos OutKick, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of fight
Noun
  • The letter was shared as Haitian police and foreign forces continue to battle gangs, with Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé announcing on X late Friday that a gang leader was killed, without identifying him.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2026
  • The attention surfaced new accusations of misconduct against sitting members and thrust a spotlight onto others that were part of ongoing legal battles.
    — Anna Liss-Roy, Washington Post, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of battle
Noun
  • The Chiefs-Jets all-time series is certainly not considered one of the great NFL rivalries, but the teams have a long history.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Like Cassavetes, Jaglom tended to be almost single-mindedly focused on interpersonal relationships — romantic ones, but also friendships and rivalries between men and between women.
    — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of rivalry
Verb
  • His parents labored to reclaim local wetlands to grow wheat and soybeans.
    — Ann Scott Tyson, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Nov. 2026
  • The Virginia Theological Seminary makes annual cash payments to the descendants whose family members labored on its campus during slavery and Jim Crow eras.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of labor
Noun
  • Eco effort The property holds Green Key certification and runs initiatives such as rainwater collection for irrigation, reduction of single-use plastics, composting partnerships, and sustainable sourcing of food and beverages.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Chicago builds quantum hub The arrival of System Two is part of a broader effort to position Illinois as a center for quantum technology and microelectronics.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of effort
Noun
  • Ahead of Leo’s arrival in Argentina, the first by a pope in nearly 40 years, Milei’s officials had dismissed the prospect of a political clash.
    — Isabel Debre, Los Angeles Times, 9 Nov. 2026
  • That has to leave a bad taste in their mouth entering this week’s clash.
    — Scott Chasen, Kansas City Star, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of clash

Browse Nearby Words

structuring
struggle
struggled
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Cite this Entry

“Struggle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/struggle. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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