strive

verb

strove ˈstrōv How to pronounce strive (audio) also strived ˈstrīvd How to pronounce strive (audio) ; striven ˈstri-vən How to pronounce strive (audio) or strived; striving ˈstrī-viŋ How to pronounce strive (audio)

intransitive verb

1
: to devote serious effort or energy : endeavor
strive to finish a project
2
: to struggle in opposition : contend
striver noun
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
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.
People start to expect exceptions instead of striving for norms. Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025 Fed policymakers are seen as stewards of the US economy, tasked with making crucial decisions on interest rates in striving for their dual mandate of maximum employment and stable prices. Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2025 Riley Keough portrays the acclaimed author — who died in 2022 — striving to uncover the truth. James Mercadante, People.com, 27 Aug. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for strive

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of strive was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Strive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/strive. Accessed 6 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

strive

verb
strove ˈstrōv How to pronounce strive (audio) also strived ˈstrīvd How to pronounce strive (audio) ; striven ˈstriv-ən How to pronounce strive (audio) or strived; striving ˈstrī-viŋ How to pronounce strive (audio)
1
: to try hard : endeavor
strive to win
2
: to struggle against : contend
striver noun

More from Merriam-Webster on strive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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