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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to strive
to devote serious and sustained effort
the financially strapped couple struggled to make ends meet
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in fight
a forceful effort to reach a goal or objective
a performer's long struggle to achieve success
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Shelby Stewart, Essence, 23 Jan. 2025
The group also struggled to find its place in the broader far-right ecosystem, with some chapters cozying up to even more extreme factions like neo-Nazis as others sought legitimacy by seeking alliances with conservative influencers.
—Tess Owen, WIRED, 23 Jan. 2025
Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025
Trace also reflected on his own struggles and progress, offering his father a path toward reconciliation.
—Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 23 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for struggle 
Verb
His heartfelt ballad beautifully captures the themes of hope and struggle at the heart of the film, adding an emotional layer to the narrative.
—Shelby Stewart, Essence, 23 Jan. 2025
The group also struggled to find its place in the broader far-right ecosystem, with some chapters cozying up to even more extreme factions like neo-Nazis as others sought legitimacy by seeking alliances with conservative influencers.
—Tess Owen, WIRED, 23 Jan. 2025
Noun
Her dedication even included spending nights on the street to better understand the struggles faced by those without shelter.
—Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025
Trace also reflected on his own struggles and progress, offering his father a path toward reconciliation.
—Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 23 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for struggle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for struggle
Verb
-
Matthias Schmidt, founder of Schmidt Automotive Research, said BYD’s plans for Germany have stumbled as EV sales slumped after government incentives were removed.—
Neil Winton,
Forbes,
23 Jan. 2025
-
Both players refused to release the ball in an epic battle for possession, the players stumbling toward the TCU student section.—
Gary Bedore,
Kansas City Star,
23 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Film dramaturgy, on the other hand, strives for a kind of purity and clarity.—
Annika Pham,
Variety,
23 Jan. 2025
-
The streamer has spent years striving for the Best Picture title, only to narrowly miss out again and again.—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
23 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
The Rancho Santa Fe School District is leading an effort to support members of the Los Angeles community impacted by the devastating wildfires, and the local heroes from Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District who have been deployed to help in the fight.—
Karen Billing,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
22 Jan. 2025
-
Bobby Templin — whose hand was fractured in prison two years ago — admitted Tuesday afternoon to hitting a correctional officer during a January 2023 fight at the Idaho State Correctional Center.—
Alex Brizee,
Idaho Statesman,
22 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
At stake in the clash with rival Buffalo Bills is a trip to the Super Bowl and a bid for a historic Super Bowl three-peat for the Chiefs.—
Robert A. Cronkleton,
Kansas City Star,
26 Jan. 2025
-
Meanwhile, the Bruins are flying high after a 2-0 shutout win over the Ottawa Senators on Thursday, and with a strong defensive showing and reliable goaltending, Boston will look to carry that momentum into Saturday's clash.—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
25 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Rose served in the band from its inception in 1977 to 2017, after Willis regained 50 percent of the copyright to the band in a protracted legal battle.—
Ryan Coleman,
EW.com,
20 Jan. 2025
-
In a YouTube video released in October, Jake Paul announced his endorsement for Trump for the 2024 election and drew a bold comparison between the president-elect's legal battles and the historic struggles of America's Founding Fathers.—
Justin Gest,
Newsweek,
20 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
There are no heroes here, just Kidman fully immersing herself in a character for whom every action is an attack, for whom every word is a wheeze, and for whom every movement looks labored.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
3 Jan. 2025
-
It’s been almost a calendar year since the Sixers have seen that Embiid, the one who’s active on both ends of the floor, instead of laboring up and down.—
Tony Jones,
The Athletic,
31 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
When asked about potential water supply issues, Kelliher said crews are fortunate to have direct access to Castaic Lake and other nearby reservoirs for their firefighting efforts.—
Brandon Miller,
CNN,
23 Jan. 2025
-
The major charity effort hits close to home for Sting.—
Raul A. Reyes,
Newsweek,
23 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Navigating the map from an overworld view, akin to looking at a tabletop game from above, leads to quicker, bite-sized skirmishes, optional short objectives, and requests from characters that build up your bonds.—
Diego Argüello,
Rolling Stone,
13 Jan. 2025
-
There’s usually not even time for trash talk between opponents; that has to wait for the inevitable post-whistle skirmish.—
Mark Lazerus,
The Athletic,
9 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near struggle
Cite this Entry
“Struggle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/struggle. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share