struggled

VERB

labor, work

Synonyms

STRONGEST

cope seek strive tackle toil try

STRONG

assay attempt dig endeavor grind hassle hustle offer plug scratch slave strain sweat undertake

WEAK

bend over backwards break one's back break one's neck exert oneself give it one's best shot give the old college try go all out have one's nose to grindstone make every effort plug away take a crack take a stab take on try one's hardest work like a dog

Antonyms

STRONGEST

forget idle neglect

STRONG

be lazy ignore laze procrastinate withhold

WEAK

rest surrender yield

VERB

fight, wrestle

Synonyms

STRONGEST

compete contend grapple

STRONG

battle brawl buck contest hassle romp rough-house row scrap scuffle shuffle slug smack tangle

WEAK

bump heads cross swords go up against lock horns put up a fight

Antonyms

STRONG

agree concur make peace

WEAK

idle laze rest surrender yield

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.

See Examples For:

struggled

Mexico had standout and inspired performances from Erik Lira, Gilberto Mora and Roberto Alvarado, but its lineup struggled to keep pace with English players trained at elite European clubs.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 12, 2026

Despite his many works, he struggled with recognition and sold very few pieces due to his scenic paintings not being considered fashionable at the time.

From BBC ● Jul. 11, 2026

The hospital lacked the costly medication and the family struggled to find it anywhere.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 11, 2026

She also struggled with how her professional life changed.

From Salon ● Jul. 11, 2026

Her income as a piano teacher couldn’t have been much; she probably struggled financially.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock