1
as in stumbling
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in striving
to devote serious and sustained effort
the financially strapped couple struggled to make ends meet
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in failing
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Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of struggling
Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
However, even people who have these more 'substantial' degrees are struggling.
—Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
According to Oxford Learning, homework can help improve student achievement, reinforce classroom learning and give parents (and teachers) an opportunity to see where their children are struggling.
—Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2025
The once high-flying digital media brand filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in May 2023, after months of struggling to pay its bills.
—Leia Mendoza, Variety, 3 Sep. 2025
Kenton County Commonwealth’s Attorney Rob Sanders said drug possession, while a felony, is not subject to the sentencing enhancement, meaning those struggling with substance use won’t face harsher penalties.
—Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 3 Sep. 2025
At the time, the future Robert Ballard was expected to be christened in 2024, but Bollinger Shipyards, struggling over the past several years to absorb two new shipyards, has yet to launch the vessel.
—Craig Hooper, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
An air quality expert demonstrated how to build an air purifier with a box fan for people struggling with smoke in their homes.
—Stephanie Murray, AZCentral.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Blind loyalty to a struggling model As of 2023, according to company data, 43% of Cracker Barrel's customers were 55 or older, and only 23% were under 34.
—Neal Rubin, Freep.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
Even with Muchová so clearly struggling, Osaka faced some weird jeopardy down the stretch.
—Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
However, even people who have these more 'substantial' degrees are struggling.
—Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
According to Oxford Learning, homework can help improve student achievement, reinforce classroom learning and give parents (and teachers) an opportunity to see where their children are struggling.
—Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2025
The once high-flying digital media brand filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in May 2023, after months of struggling to pay its bills.
—Leia Mendoza, Variety, 3 Sep. 2025
Kenton County Commonwealth’s Attorney Rob Sanders said drug possession, while a felony, is not subject to the sentencing enhancement, meaning those struggling with substance use won’t face harsher penalties.
—Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 3 Sep. 2025
At the time, the future Robert Ballard was expected to be christened in 2024, but Bollinger Shipyards, struggling over the past several years to absorb two new shipyards, has yet to launch the vessel.
—Craig Hooper, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
An air quality expert demonstrated how to build an air purifier with a box fan for people struggling with smoke in their homes.
—Stephanie Murray, AZCentral.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Blind loyalty to a struggling model As of 2023, according to company data, 43% of Cracker Barrel's customers were 55 or older, and only 23% were under 34.
—Neal Rubin, Freep.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for struggling
Verb
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His arrival home each night is announced by his sputtering motorcycle and his drunken stumbling up the stairs.—
Adam Solomons,
IndieWire,
4 Sep. 2025
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Whew The last thing a team wants to see is its starting quarterback stumbling to the sideline four plays into the season.—
Kirk Kenney,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The brand name also serves as a reminder that our journeys are about striving toward something greater than ourselves, even in the face of challenges, according to Reddick.—
Robyn Mowatt,
Essence,
26 Aug. 2025
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This is true for businesses striving to improve their technology adoption as well as tech leaders.—
David Henkin,
Forbes.com,
26 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The surprising exception is that the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and other Western countries are floundering.—
Robert B. Tucker,
Forbes.com,
29 Aug. 2025
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Domestic competitors were interested in acquiring the floundering manufacturing unit.—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld,
Time,
29 Aug. 2025
Verb
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During that season Clark was laboring to teach all his defensive linemen a new technique to use, and players would have to film themselves working on it, and send it into the coaches.—
Omar Kelly
August 23,
Miami Herald,
23 Aug. 2025
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Wall Street economists are fixated on identifying tariff effects, yet stocks either celebrated or shrugged off three warm and sticky inflation readings this week, laboring to hold near record highs.—
Michael Santoli,
CNBC,
16 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Former director of football Kevin Thelwell and Dan Purdy, two key drivers of the initial interest in Rohl, have since left the club and are working for Rangers in Scotland.—
Patrick Boyland,
New York Times,
4 Sep. 2025
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He's Delivered the Opposite | Opinion Venezuela has a unified and organized opposition that has been working tirelessly to prepare for this moment.—
Kristina Foltz,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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While pruning, remove any winter damage, along with dead and declining growths, to allow new shoots to reform the plant.—
Tom MacCubbin,
orlandosentinel.com,
6 Mar. 2021
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In order to reopen, counties must demonstrate declining prevalence of COVID-19, testing ability of 30 tests per 10,000 residents per week, contact tracing and isolation facilities.—
Fox News,
Fox News,
15 May 2020
Verb
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Hit Man Based on an outrageous true story, Richard Linklater's 2024 action rom-com sees Glen Powell donning the many disguises of Gary Johnson, a New Orleans Police Department contractor who poses as a hitman to arrest those trying to hire him.—
Jacqueline Weiss,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
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Panouses regularly fields inquiries from investors, scammers and people in need, all trying to reach his clients.—
Safiyah Riddle,
Chicago Tribune,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Also, with most modern vehicles sharing platforms and automakers endeavoring to reduce costs by utilizing the same parts across various model lines and for extended periods, Drury said parts availability should not be a problem.—
Jamie L. LaReau,
Freep.com,
28 Aug. 2025
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Beatrice is also the proud new patron of Borne, a medical research charity endeavoring to end premature birth.—
Janine Henni,
People.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Struggling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/struggling. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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