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.

And now it’s serving softball, a sport that for decades has been among the most popular for girls in America, even without long-term playing prospects or pro players to strive to emulate.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 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

Comprehensive peace in the region is an admirable goal, one that the U.S. should strive toward.

From Barron's • May 28, 2026

Like Stead, civic authorities throughout the world saw the fair as a model of what to strive for.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson

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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