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.

Leaders of Western democracies mostly strive to project humility, relatability, and an aversion to corruption; the government is multibranched and by the people, after all.

From Slate • Jun. 11, 2026

Bhatia said the visit can have a "positive impact" on Asean countries, as they "strive to develop a coherent approach to the Myanmar question".

From BBC • Jun. 2, 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

“I think there’s a happy medium, and they ought to strive for that.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 12, 2026

“We strive for perfection here,” she told us.

From "Courage to Soar" by Simone Biles

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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