1
as in stumbled
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in labored
to devote serious and sustained effort
the financially strapped couple struggled to make ends meet
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of struggled
Once her shots started to fall, the Sparks struggled to contain her.
—
Jordan Puente, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026
The group struggled to find relevance in the aftermath of Kath’s death, largely thanks to shifting musical tastes.
—Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 17 June 2026
Survivors who fled to higher ground struggled as a result of the temperature, with some dying later on from exposure.
—Literary Hub, 17 June 2026
Several struggled with basic positioning, failing to hold the offside line or maintain tactical discipline.
—ABC News, 17 June 2026
Police struggled to keep the speakers’ stand clear, according to a New York Times article from the day.
—Jennifer Peltz, Fortune, 17 June 2026
The Cubs’ offense woes, though, remain a confounding situation that even Hoyer struggled to explain.
—Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2026
Jalen Brunson has 19 points to lead New York, but the Knicks have struggled to avoid fouls on defense and struggled to make foul shots on the other end.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 11 June 2026
Seattle struggled to get off a quick shot and settled for a long 3-point attempt by Hiedeman that hit off the rim.
—Daily News, 11 June 2026
Jordan Puente, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026
The group struggled to find relevance in the aftermath of Kath’s death, largely thanks to shifting musical tastes.
—Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 17 June 2026
Survivors who fled to higher ground struggled as a result of the temperature, with some dying later on from exposure.
—Literary Hub, 17 June 2026
Several struggled with basic positioning, failing to hold the offside line or maintain tactical discipline.
—ABC News, 17 June 2026
Police struggled to keep the speakers’ stand clear, according to a New York Times article from the day.
—Jennifer Peltz, Fortune, 17 June 2026
The Cubs’ offense woes, though, remain a confounding situation that even Hoyer struggled to explain.
—Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2026
Jalen Brunson has 19 points to lead New York, but the Knicks have struggled to avoid fouls on defense and struggled to make foul shots on the other end.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 11 June 2026
Seattle struggled to get off a quick shot and settled for a long 3-point attempt by Hiedeman that hit off the rim.
—Daily News, 11 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for struggled
Verb
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Because the 59-year-old MAGA actor has stumbled into a debate that’s been vexing DC fans for more than six decades.—
Benjamin Svetkey,
HollywoodReporter,
16 June 2026
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The memorial effort dragged for years as the private onePulse Foundation, originally tasked to create it, stumbled and then collapsed amid excessive ambition that produced a plan for a $100 million memorial and museum the group had no ability to fund.—
Silas Morgan,
The Orlando Sentinel,
12 June 2026
Verb
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About 2,700 engineers labored on the project.—
Ian Bogost,
The Atlantic,
12 June 2026
-
Stephen Kolek labored through the first three innings for Kansas City, delivering 55 pitches and allowing six baserunners, but stranded four.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
10 June 2026
Verb
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The Knicks elected to foul rather than allow San Antonio to attempt a tying three and the strategy worked exactly as intended.—
Dan Zaksheske,
FOXNews.com,
14 June 2026
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In the 1970s, what was then West Germany co-produced the Tornado bomber with the UK and Italy; then in the 1990s Germany worked with the UK, Italy and Spain to produce the dog-fighting Eurofighter jet.—
Joseph Ataman,
CNN Money,
13 June 2026
Verb
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When Disney+ first launched, the House of Mouse endeavored to make its streaming platform the new home of all things Star Wars.—
Chris Snellgrove,
Entertainment Weekly,
21 May 2026
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Johnson for months endeavored to appoint his ally ex-Ald.—
Alice Yin,
Chicago Tribune,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
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California state workers are likely to lose access to United Healthcare plans next year as CalPERS prepares to switch to Sutter Health Plan after the insurance behemoth tried to substantially increase 2027 premiums for public employees.—
William Melhado,
Sacbee.com,
18 June 2026
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Later that month, a state marshal tried to serve the pair at the property itself, but was unable to do so, according to court records seen by the outlet.—
Adam England,
PEOPLE,
17 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Struggled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/struggled. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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