If you are looking for a strives synonym, the best alternatives include endeavors, works hard, makes an effort, aims, seeks, attempts, and pursues. The right word depends on whether you want to emphasize effort, ambition, determination, or a specific goal. For example, she strives to succeed can become she works hard to succeed or she endeavors to succeed. Although these expressions share a similar meaning, they are not always interchangeable. This guide explains the most useful synonyms for strives, their meanings, example sentences, and the situations in which each alternative works best.
What Does “Strives” Mean?
Strives is the third-person singular present-tense form of the verb strive. It means to make a serious or determined effort to achieve something, overcome a difficulty, or reach a particular goal.
In simple English, strives means tries hard to accomplish something.
Examples:
- Maria strives to improve her English every day.
- The organization strives to provide better services to its customers.
- He strives for excellence in everything he does.
In each example, the word expresses purposeful effort toward an objective.
Part of Speech
Strives is a verb. It commonly appears with the infinitive to followed by another verb or with the preposition for followed by a noun.
- Strives to + verb: She strives to become a better leader.
- Strives for + noun: He strives for success.
The word often suggests sustained effort, determination, or ambition rather than a casual attempt.
Best Strives Synonyms
The most appropriate synonym depends on the context. Some alternatives emphasize hard work, while others focus on goals, ambition, or the act of trying.
Here are 25 useful alternatives to strives, with explanations and examples.
1. Endeavors
Meaning: Makes a serious effort to accomplish something.
Endeavors is one of the closest formal synonyms for strives. It works well in academic writing, professional communication, and formal descriptions of someone’s efforts.
Example: The university endeavors to provide students with a supportive learning environment.
2. Works Hard
Meaning: Puts considerable time, energy, and effort into something.
This everyday expression is an excellent alternative when you want clear, natural language rather than a formal verb.
Example: She works hard to achieve her academic goals.
3. Makes an Effort
Meaning: Actively tries to accomplish something.
This phrase emphasizes the effort itself and is useful when describing someone’s willingness to improve or solve a problem.
Example: He makes an effort to understand different points of view.
4. Aims
Meaning: Has a particular goal or intends to achieve something.
Aims emphasizes intention or direction more than the hard work involved in reaching a goal.
Example: The company aims to reduce its environmental impact.
5. Seeks
Meaning: Tries to obtain, achieve, or find something.
Seeks is useful in formal writing, particularly when discussing knowledge, opportunities, solutions, or improvements.
Example: The researcher seeks to understand how people learn new languages.
6. Pursues
Meaning: Actively works toward a goal or continues following an ambition.
Pursues emphasizes continued action toward something a person wants to achieve.
Example: Daniel pursues his dream of becoming a professional musician.
7. Attempts
Meaning: Tries to do something, often something challenging.
Unlike strives, which often highlights determined effort over time, attempts can describe a single action that may or may not succeed.
Example: The team attempts to solve the problem before the deadline.
8. Tries
Meaning: Makes an effort to do or achieve something.
Tries is simple, conversational, and widely understood. However, it may communicate less determination than strives.
Example: She tries to learn something new every week.
9. Works Toward
Meaning: Takes steps to achieve a particular objective.
This phrase is particularly useful when describing long-term goals that require several stages of progress.
Example: The school works toward creating a more inclusive learning environment.
10. Aspires
Meaning: Has a strong desire to achieve something important.
Aspires emphasizes ambition or a hoped-for future rather than the effort already being made.
Example: He aspires to become a respected scientist.
11. Struggles
Meaning: Makes a difficult effort to do something or overcome an obstacle.
Struggles can replace strives when the sentence emphasizes difficulty, hardship, or resistance. It may carry a more negative tone.
Example: She struggles to balance her studies and family responsibilities.
12. Labors
Meaning: Works hard, often for an extended period or under difficult conditions.
Labors is more formal or literary than works hard and can emphasize demanding physical or mental effort.
Example: The artist labors to perfect every detail of the painting.
13. Toils
Meaning: Works persistently and strenuously, often under difficult conditions.
Toils emphasizes strenuous effort and sometimes suggests exhausting or unpleasant work.
Example: The farmer toils from sunrise until the afternoon heat becomes unbearable.
14. Exerts Oneself
Meaning: Makes a deliberate effort and uses energy to accomplish something.
This phrase is useful when emphasizing the personal energy or discipline required to complete a task.
Example: She exerts herself to meet the team’s high standards.
15. Endeavors to Achieve
Meaning: Makes a determined effort to reach a specific outcome.
This formal phrase is suitable for professional reports, academic discussions, and institutional statements.
Example: The organization endeavors to achieve lasting improvements in public education.
16. Aspires To
Meaning: Wants strongly to become something or accomplish something.
Use this phrase when the emphasis is on a person’s ambitions rather than the actions taken to fulfill them.
Example: The young athlete aspires to compete at the international level.
17. Works Diligently
Meaning: Works carefully, consistently, and with sustained effort.
This expression highlights dedication and conscientious work.
Example: The student works diligently to improve her writing skills.
18. Perseveres
Meaning: Continues making an effort despite difficulties or setbacks.
Perseveres is especially appropriate when the person does not give up in the face of obstacles.
Example: He perseveres despite repeated challenges in his research.
19. Strains
Meaning: Makes an unusually great effort, sometimes beyond what is comfortable or easy.
Strains is not a general synonym for strives. It works in contexts involving pressure, difficulty, or excessive effort.
Example: The small business strains to meet rising operating costs.
20. Pushes Oneself
Meaning: Challenges oneself to work harder or reach a higher standard.
This expression is conversational and often emphasizes personal discipline and self-improvement.
Example: She pushes herself to improve with every performance.
21. Devotes Oneself
Meaning: Gives substantial time, attention, or energy to a particular purpose.
This phrase emphasizes commitment and dedication rather than the act of trying alone.
Example: The doctor devotes herself to improving healthcare in rural communities.
22. Works Tirelessly
Meaning: Continues working with great energy and determination.
This expression is stronger than works hard and highlights sustained effort over time.
Example: The volunteers work tirelessly to support families in need.
23. Applies Oneself
Meaning: Makes a focused and serious effort to complete a task or improve a skill.
This phrase is particularly common in educational and professional contexts.
Example: Once he applies himself to his studies, his results improve.
24. Strives for Excellence
Meaning: Makes a determined effort to achieve a high standard.
This phrase is a more specific expression of strives, often used in education, business, sports, and personal development.
Example: The team strives for excellence in every project.
25. Goes All Out
Meaning: Uses every available effort or resource to accomplish something.
This informal expression suggests an especially enthusiastic or intensive effort.
Example: The students go all out to prepare for the final competition.
Strives Synonyms by Context
Choosing an alternative becomes easier when you identify the main idea you want to communicate. The following categories group synonyms according to their most useful applications.
Synonyms for Strives That Emphasize Hard Work
Use these expressions when the sentence focuses on effort, dedication, or persistence.
- Works hard: Makes a strong effort.
- Works diligently: Works carefully and consistently.
- Toils: Performs demanding work.
- Labors: Works strenuously.
- Works tirelessly: Continues working with great energy.
- Exerts oneself: Makes a deliberate physical or mental effort.
Example: Instead of writing, “She strives to finish every assignment on time,” you could write, “She works diligently to finish every assignment on time.”
The second sentence emphasizes consistent effort and careful work.
Synonyms for Strives That Emphasize Ambition
Use these alternatives when discussing future plans, personal goals, or professional aspirations.
- Aims: Has a specific objective.
- Aspires: Has a strong ambition.
- Seeks: Tries to obtain or achieve something.
- Pursues: Actively follows a goal.
- Works toward: Takes steps toward an objective.
Example: “He strives to become a successful entrepreneur” could become “He aspires to become a successful entrepreneur.”
The alternative emphasizes his ambition rather than the effort he currently makes.
Synonyms for Strives That Emphasize Determination
These expressions are useful when someone continues working despite obstacles or demanding circumstances.
- Perseveres: Continues despite setbacks.
- Pushes oneself: Challenges oneself to do more.
- Makes an effort: Actively tries.
- Works tirelessly: Maintains sustained effort.
- Applies oneself: Concentrates seriously on a task.
Example: “She strives to overcome every challenge” could become “She perseveres through every challenge.”
The revised sentence places greater emphasis on persistence.
Formal Synonyms for Strives
For academic essays, business documents, and professional reports, consider these options:
| Synonym | Best use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Endeavors | Formal efforts | The institution endeavors to improve access. |
| Seeks | Research and objectives | The study seeks to identify key factors. |
| Pursues | Goals and initiatives | The company pursues sustainable growth. |
| Aspires | Ambitions | The candidate aspires to leadership. |
| Works diligently | Consistent effort | The researcher works diligently on the project. |
Remember that a formal alternative is not necessarily interchangeable with strives in every sentence. Choose the word that communicates the intended meaning precisely.
Comparison Table: Strives and Its Closest Synonyms
This table highlights the differences among common alternatives.
| Word or phrase | Main emphasis | Tone |
|---|---|---|
| Strives | Determined effort toward a goal | Neutral to formal |
| Endeavors | Serious effort | Formal |
| Works hard | Energy and effort | Everyday |
| Aims | Intention or target | Neutral |
| Seeks | Searching or trying to obtain | Neutral to formal |
| Pursues | Continued action toward a goal | Neutral to formal |
| Attempts | An effort to do something | Neutral |
| Aspires | Ambition or desire | Neutral to formal |
| Perseveres | Persistence despite difficulty | Positive |
| Toils | Strenuous work | Literary or serious |
| Struggles | Difficulty or hardship | Often negative |
The closest alternatives in many contexts are endeavors, works hard, and makes an effort. However, aims and aspires focus more on intention, while perseveres highlights persistence.
How to Use Strives Synonyms in Sentences
A synonym should fit the grammar and meaning of the original sentence. The following examples show how to replace strives naturally in different situations.
In Academic Writing
Original: The student strives to improve her academic performance.
Alternatives:
- The student endeavors to improve her academic performance.
- The student works diligently to improve her academic performance.
- The student makes an effort to improve her academic performance.
Endeavors creates a more formal tone, while works diligently highlights consistent effort.
In Business Writing
Original: The company strives to provide excellent customer service.
Alternatives:
- The company aims to provide excellent customer service.
- The company seeks to provide excellent customer service.
- The company works toward providing better customer service.
Aims emphasizes the company’s objective, while works toward suggests ongoing action.
In Personal Development
Original: He strives to become a better version of himself.
Alternatives:
- He works hard to become a better version of himself.
- He pushes himself to improve.
- He perseveres in his efforts to improve.
The best option depends on whether you want to emphasize effort, self-discipline, or persistence.
In Sports
Original: The athlete strives to improve his performance.
Alternatives:
- The athlete works tirelessly to improve his performance.
- The athlete pushes himself to improve his performance.
- The athlete aims to improve his performance.
Pushes himself conveys personal challenge, while aims simply identifies the goal.
In Social and Community Work
Original: The organization strives to help disadvantaged families.
Alternatives:
- The organization endeavors to help disadvantaged families.
- The organization works hard to support disadvantaged families.
- The organization seeks to provide assistance to disadvantaged families.
Each alternative works, but the tone and emphasis differ slightly.
Common Grammar Patterns With Strives
Understanding the grammar of strives helps you use its alternatives correctly.
Strives to + Verb
Use this pattern to describe an effort to perform an action.
Examples:
- She strives to succeed.
- He strives to learn from his mistakes.
- The organization strives to reduce waste.
Several alternatives follow the same pattern, including endeavors to, aims to, seeks to, and attempts to.
Strives for + Noun
Use this pattern when the object is a goal, quality, or outcome expressed as a noun.
Examples:
- She strives for excellence.
- He strives for success.
- The team strives for greater efficiency.
Similar expressions include aims for, works toward, and seeks a particular outcome, although their grammatical structures may differ.
Strives With Determination
You can also describe how someone strives by adding an adverb or a phrase that explains the effort.
Examples:
- She strives consistently to improve.
- He strives with determination to reach his goals.
- The team strives despite repeated setbacks.
These additions clarify the manner or circumstances of the effort.
Common Mistakes When Choosing a Strives Synonym
Although many alternatives have similar meanings, several common mistakes can make a sentence less accurate.
1. Using “Aspires” When You Mean Hard Work
Incorrect for the intended meaning: She aspires all day to complete her assignments.
Better: She works hard all day to complete her assignments.
Aspires expresses ambition, not the physical or mental effort involved in working throughout the day.
2. Using “Attempts” to Suggest Guaranteed Success
Incorrect: He attempts to solve the problem, so he will definitely succeed.
Better: He attempts to solve the problem, although success is not guaranteed.
An attempt describes an effort, not its outcome. Likewise, striving does not guarantee success.
3. Confusing “Strives” With “Struggles”
These words overlap when a task is difficult, but they have different connotations.
- Strives: Makes a determined effort to achieve something.
- Struggles: Experiences difficulty while trying to do something.
For example, “She strives to excel” sounds purposeful and ambitious. “She struggles to excel” suggests that she faces significant difficulty.
4. Forgetting Subject-Verb Agreement
Incorrect: She strive to improve her skills.
Correct: She strives to improve her skills.
Use strives with he, she, and it in the simple present tense. Use strive with I, you, we, and they.
Antonyms of Strives
Antonyms are useful when you want to express the opposite of determined effort. There is no single opposite that works in every context, but the following words can communicate a lack of effort, persistence, or ambition.
- Gives up: Stops trying to achieve something.
- Neglects: Fails to give something the necessary attention.
- Abandons: Stops pursuing a goal or activity.
- Avoids: Keeps away from a task or responsibility.
- Idles: Spends time without productive activity.
- Surrenders: Gives in rather than continuing to resist or pursue a goal.
Examples:
- Instead of striving to improve, he gives up after the first setback.
- The organization neglects its responsibility to serve the community.
- She abandons her plan before making a serious attempt.
These words have different meanings, so choose an antonym that reflects the specific opposite you intend.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best synonym for strives?
Endeavors is a strong formal synonym, while works hard and makes an effort are natural everyday alternatives. The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize determination, effort, or ambition.
What is another word for strives in academic writing?
Useful academic alternatives include endeavors, seeks, pursues, and works diligently. For example, “The researcher strives to understand the issue” can become “The researcher seeks to understand the issue.”
Is “strives” formal or informal?
Strives is neutral to formal. It appears in everyday communication, academic writing, professional documents, and discussions about personal goals. It may sound more formal than the phrase tries hard.
What is the difference between strives and endeavors?
Both words describe making an effort to accomplish something. Strives often emphasizes determined effort toward a goal, while endeavors has a more formal tone and can describe a serious attempt or undertaking.
What is the opposite of strives?
Depending on the context, possible opposites include gives up, abandons, neglects, and avoids. Each expresses a different form of stopping, avoiding, or failing to make an effort.
Can “aims” replace “strives” in every sentence?
No. Aims focuses on the intended goal, whereas strives emphasizes the effort made to achieve it. For example, “She aims to succeed” describes her objective, while “She strives to succeed” highlights her determination and effort.
Conclusion
The best strives synonym depends on the meaning and tone you want to convey. Choose endeavors for formal writing, works hard for everyday communication, aims for intentions, pursues for ongoing goals, and perseveres for determination despite setbacks. Although these expressions overlap, they emphasize different aspects of effort and ambition. Before replacing strives, consider whether your sentence focuses on the goal, the work involved, or the persistence required. Selecting the most precise alternative will make your writing clearer, more natural, and more effective.
