to exert oneself vigorously; try hard

He strove to make himself understood.

to make strenuous efforts toward any goal

to strive for success.

to contend in opposition, battle, or any conflict; compete.

to struggle vigorously, as in opposition or resistance

to strive against fate.

to rival; vie.

verb

forget , skip

verb

aim , assay , attempt , bear down , bend over backward , break one’s neck , compete , contend , do one’s best , do one’s utmost , drive , endeavor , essay , fight , go after , go all out , go for broke , go for the jugular , go the limit , hassle , jockey * , knock oneself out , labor , leave no stone unturned , make every effort , moil , offer , push , scramble , seek , shoot for , strain , struggle , sweat , tackle , take on , toil , try hard , tug * , work , fag , travail , tug , try , battle , buffet , cope , emulate , exert , press on , undertake , vie