strive

Definition of strivenext

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb strive differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of strive are attempt, endeavor, essay, and try. While all these words mean "to make an effort to accomplish an end," strive implies great exertion against great difficulty and specifically suggests persistent effort.

continues to strive for peace

Where would attempt be a reasonable alternative to strive?

The words attempt and strive are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, attempt stresses the initiation or beginning of an effort.

will attempt to photograph the rare bird

When is endeavor a more appropriate choice than strive?

Although the words endeavor and strive have much in common, endeavor heightens the implications of exertion and difficulty.

endeavored to find crash survivors in the mountains

When is it sensible to use essay instead of strive?

In some situations, the words essay and strive are roughly equivalent. However, essay implies difficulty but also suggests tentative trying or experimenting.

will essay a dramatic role for the first time

How do try and attempt relate to one another, in the sense of strive?

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

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 strive The world cracked open, and now everyone’s striving to fit the jagged pieces back into a box called civilized society. Alison Willmore, Vulture, 15 May 2026 After the shocking results of the 2024 election, seven friends split between Black Democrats and Black Republicans gather for dinner to debate American politics, striving to find common ground over food, drinks, and laughter. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 15 May 2026 And as Enheduanna, Plato and Aristotle remind us, there are elements of writing that may always be unique to embodied, thinking beings striving to move souls. Ryan Leack, The Conversation, 14 May 2026 The hotels and resorts have significantly upped their game, bringing in chefs that want to be creative and put Orlando on the culinary map, while striving to impress the tastes of Orlando’s tens of millions of global visitors. Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 12 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for strive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strive
Verb
  • But in the dark, Yara was just trying their best not to trip over young clumps of prickly pear.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 19 May 2026
  • Authorities are trying to unravel what led two teenagers to open fire at the San Diego Islamic Center, killing three people before taking their own lives.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2026
Verb
  • The two finished atop a crowded field that also featured Attorney General Chris Carr and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, who both struggled to break through in a GOP contest overshadowed by the feud between the two front-runners.
    Greg Bluestein, AJC.com, 20 May 2026
  • Mergers might encourage other states to offer similar programs as a way of funnelling more students into struggling four-year campuses.
    Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 19 May 2026
Verb
  • Authorities allege Dunmars then left the scene in a Jeep Grand Cherokee before returning moments later as Hayes was attempting to leave in her Nissan Pathfinder.
    Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 16 May 2026
  • Meticulous Talent Management owner Angie Athayde Stevens, a leader in jockey sponsorships who has worked with over 100 brands, said that in the 2010s a brand paid seven-figures for a deal involving the entire team (owner, trainer, jockey and horse) attempting to complete the Triple Crown.
    Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • Kreider, who dealt with injuries last season with the New York Rangers, has labored.
    Eric Stephens, New York Times, 14 May 2026
  • When Cale Makar was clearly laboring in the final couple of games of this series, Kulak and Brent Burns were outstanding.
    Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • They’re also made with clean lines and a straight, wide-leg fit, resulting in a crisp appearance that works for the office or even a Hamptons weekend.
    Rylee Johnston, PEOPLE, 16 May 2026
  • There are plenty of suite options that work well for families, baby gear like cribs and high chairs are available, and all restaurants have kids menus.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 May 2026
Verb
  • The president signed an executive order on March 31 that attempts to change the rules on mail-in voting, and his allies in Congress are endeavoring to reshape elections ahead of the midterms this fall, spending weeks debating a voter-ID bill that is almost certainly doomed.
    Shane Harris, The Atlantic, 14 May 2026
  • Taking an interest or endeavor further?
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 7 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Strive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strive. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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