Synonyms for

Strive

Verb / straɪv / Another word for strive — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to make an effort to achieve something

Synonyms & similar words

endeavor endeavour reach strain endeavor attempt aim work try undertake aspire seek pursue push labor strain grind toil sweat struggle battle fight compete contend

Synonyms by register

Formal

endeavor aspire labor toil

Informal

try hard go for it give it your all push oneself

Literary

agitate contend yearn

Antonyms

yield surrender quit desist relent cease abandon

Common collocations

  • strive for excellence
  • strive to achieve
  • strive to improve
  • strive to succeed
  • strive for peace
  • strive to overcome
  • strive to make a difference

Word family

noun strife
verb strive
adjective striving

Usage note

Strive implies a strong effort towards a goal, often with difficulty. It is generally used in a positive or neutral context, suggesting determination rather than conflict (which is the meaning of its homophone 'strife').

Example sentences

  1. I will strive to be a good student.
  2. She always strives to be a better athlete.
  3. He will strive to make the soccer team this year.
  4. We must strive to make the world a better place.
  5. The company will strive to increase profits this year.

Quotes

  • Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts. - Winston Churchill
  • Believe you can and you're halfway there. - Theodore Roosevelt
  • I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work. - Thomas Edison

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