1
: to devote serious effort or energy : endeavor
strive to finish a project
2
: to struggle in opposition : contend
plural -s
: one that strives
a man of talent and a true striver after the highest human status—
John Dollard
John DollardExamples of strive in a Sentence
Verb
We must all strive to do better.
She always strives for perfection.
They continue to strive toward their goals.
Recent Examples on the Web
Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 10 June 2026
Working with other independent business owners striving hard to succeed has been motivating, Glover said.
—Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 10 June 2026
He has been limited during the Chiefs’ offseason program but is striving to be ready for Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season.
—Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 10 June 2026
That's in stark contrast to the graying parishioners at most Spanish churches at a moment the Catholic Church strives to engage with and remain relevant to youth.
—ABC News, 9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for strive
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Verb
Rahma strives for a cinema-verité aesthetic, with footage sometimes shot on vintage digital cameras, but the show’s style can’t overcome the limits of its format.
—Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 10 June 2026
Working with other independent business owners striving hard to succeed has been motivating, Glover said.
—Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 10 June 2026
He has been limited during the Chiefs’ offseason program but is striving to be ready for Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season.
—Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 10 June 2026
That's in stark contrast to the graying parishioners at most Spanish churches at a moment the Catholic Church strives to engage with and remain relevant to youth.
—ABC News, 9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for strive
Cite this Entry
“Strive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/strive. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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