Definitions

strive

[strahyv] / straɪv /

VERB

try for, exert oneself

Synonyms

STRONGEST

aim endeavor go all out seek tackle

STRONG

assay attempt compete contend drive essay fight hassle jockey labor moil offer push scramble strain struggle sweat toil tug work

WEAK

bear down bend over backward break one's neck do one's best do one's utmost go after go for broke go for the jugular go the limit knock oneself out leave no stone unturned make every effort shoot for take on try hard

Antonyms

STRONGEST

neglect

STRONG

agree discourage dissuade idle laze make peace relax repress rest surrender yield

WEAK

forget skip

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It could strive to address our most fundamental problems with common-sense solutions, meaningfully improving Americans’ quality of life and raising the level of political discourse in the process.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

Any malfeasance should be punished, and the system should always strive to improve.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2026

“It is essential that we preserve what is good about these institutions, even as we strive to improve them,” he said.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 1, 2026

"The answer is we strive towards all of these," LTA chief executive Scott Lloyd told BBC Sport in 2024.

From BBC • May 29, 2026

But every such study must strive to get beyond it.

From "Grendel" by John Gardner

Vocabulary lists containing strive

The Watsons Go to Birmingham

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"The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin

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"The Hill We Climb," by Amanda Gorman

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