STRUGGLE Synonyms: 208 Similar and Opposite Words

struggle 1 of 2

verb

ˈstrə-gəl

Definition of struggle

as in to stumble

to proceed or act clumsily or ineffectually each week I would struggle through my piano lesson, keenly aware that I wasn't getting any better

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to strive

to devote serious and sustained effort the financially strapped couple struggled to make ends meet

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struggle

2 of 2

noun

as in fight

a forceful effort to reach a goal or objective a performer's long struggle to achieve success

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as in battle

a physical dispute between opposing individuals or groups there was a struggle between the armed robber and the shopkeeper, and the gun went off

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

truce

as in rivalry

an earnest effort for superiority or victory over another her staunchest supporters in her struggle for the office

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of struggle

Verb

Other Western states have also struggled to pass wildfire regulations affecting homeowners' properties. — Lauren Sommer, NPR, 17 Aug. 2026 Since Jerry Buss’ death in 2013, his family had struggled for control over the franchise, with Jeanie at odds with brothers, including Jim Buss, over the direction of the team and who was setting that direction. — Erik Hayden, HollywoodReporter, 17 Aug. 2026

Noun

Neither Dodgers manager Dave Roberts nor Wrobleski believe the struggles are fatigue-related. — Joaquin Ruiz, Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 2026 During the struggle, a firearm was discharged and struck the person who intervened in the leg, police said. — Ethan Varian, Mercury News, 16 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for struggle

Recent Examples of Synonyms for struggle

Verb

Vulcan has stumbled due to ongoing problems with the performance of its solid rocket boosters, which are provided by Northrop Grumman.

— Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 17 Aug. 2026
Nothing that would actually stop a person, a child, a wheelchair or a stumbling drunk from going straight into the water.

— Joseph V. Sakran, Baltimore Sun, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of stumble

Verb

First Tee is a youth development organization that strives to building strength of character in kids using the game of golf.

— Zach Schenfisch, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
The proposal to redevelop Corporate Woods comes at a time when the city strives to transform the area into a more walkable and vibrant space for residents, workers and visitors.

— Taylor O'Connor August 12, Kansas City Star, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of strive

Noun

With just four games of their regular season remaining, their challenge for the promotion play-offs seemed to be slipping away without much of a fight.

— Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
No matter, seconds later Scott's corner threw multiple towels in the ring to stop the fight.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of fight

Noun

Alex Wagner, who served as assistant secretary of the Air Force for manpower and reserve affairs during the Biden administration, argued recruiting has remained remarkably insulated from those political battles.

— Steven Beynon, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
The fight preceded the Zeus main event, which was a battle between stars from the network’s Baddies series, Tehneski and Big Lex.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of battle

Noun

The Cubs-Cardinals rivalry, which originated in 1892, has waned a bit in recent years as the Milwaukee Brewers have taken control of the National League Central.

— Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
As China’s strategic rivalry with the US and its allies deepens, Beijing has broadened its anti-espionage campaign, casting suspicious eyes on foreign ties amid concerns about the leak of state secrets.

— Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of rivalry

Noun

Albeit in an uncompetitive effort, the Falcons’ 27-7 loss to the Broncos in the preseason opener Friday night offered a glimpse at a vast majority of the team’s roster.

— Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 15 Aug. 2026
General manager Omar Khan has made a concerted effort to build through the trenches on offense and defense.

— Mike DeFabo, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of effort

Noun

The case highlights the clash between the public’s expectation of privacy and the government’s contention that warrantless searches of phones and other electronics help keep Americans safe.

— AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Regular clashes in race dates between the two series have been a problem for drivers hoping to pair their racing programs.

— Alex Kalinauckas, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of clash

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structuring

struggle

struggled

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Style

“Struggle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/struggle. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of struggle

verb

noun

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