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

• try
• attempt

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

As the son of Hades relentlessly striving to escape from the underworld, failure sends players back to the start; but never empty-handed. —Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 27 Sep. 2025

Over one intense day, the devoted head teacher (Cillian Murphy) of a last-chance reform school strives to keep his students in line while facing pressures of his own. —Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 27 Sep. 2025

Mittman encourages companies to strive to offer accommodations, such as teleworking options and mental health assistance, to the visually impaired. —Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 26 Sep. 2025

Though the status quo may provide good results, researchers are constantly striving for something better. —Sheldon Jacobson, Twin Cities, 25 Sep. 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