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

• bang away
• beaver (away)
• dig (away)
• drudge
• endeavor
• fag
• grub
• hump
• hustle
• labor
• moil
• peg (away)
• plod
• plow
• plug
• slave
• slog
• strain
• struggle
• sweat
• toil
• travail
• tug
• work

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

Rogers cared deeply about the children his show touched, striving to spread kindness and make the world a better place. —Makena Gera, People.com, 27 Feb. 2025

If errors are made, they will be flagged and corrected as needed, while striving to do what's best for the American people. —Gabrielle Emanuel, NPR, 27 Feb. 2025

Ayotte emphasized that, while the state strives to find savings, the committee's work will not come at the expense of the state's most vulnerable citizens. —Ross Rosenfeld, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025

This can be a game-changer — such as for healthcare companies striving to balance patient trust and privacy with innovation. —Gary Drenik, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025

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