23 Other Ways to Say STRUGGLE | Struggle Synonyms (Examples)

Struggle is a common word that shows difficulty, effort, or hard work. People often face challenges in life, work, or personal situations. Sometimes, using different words can make your writing more interesting and expressive. Some examples of synonyms for struggle include battle, fight, wrestle, and strive. In this article, we will explore 23 different ways to say struggle with examples to help you use them correctly.

Synonym	Meaning	Example
Battle	To fight or deal with something difficult	She had to battle many obstacles to finish her project.
Fight	To try hard against a problem	He had to fight to get the promotion at work.
Wrestle	To struggle physically or mentally with something	I wrestled with the problem for hours before solving it.
Strive	To make great effort to achieve something	She strives to be the best student in her class.
Labor	To work very hard	He labored all day to finish the house painting.
Tackle	To deal with a difficult problem	We need to tackle the issue before it becomes worse.
Grapple	To try hard to deal with a problem	The company is grappling with financial challenges.
Endeavor	To make an effort to do something	They endeavored to finish the project on time.
Scramble	To struggle quickly or frantically	He scrambled to catch the last train.
Flounder	To struggle without making progress	She floundered in her first job because she was inexperienced.
Toil	To work hard over a long time	Farmers toil in the fields from morning to night.
Overcome	To successfully deal with a problem	He overcame his fear of speaking in public.
Persevere	To continue despite difficulties	She persevered and finished the marathon.
Strain	To use effort to do something difficult	He strained to lift the heavy box.
Combat	To fight or take action against a problem	They are working to combat pollution in the city.
Wrest	To take something with effort	She wrested control of the project from her colleague.
Scrape	To struggle to get or achieve something	He scraped together enough money for his trip.
Endeavour	British spelling of endeavor, to try hard	They endeavoured to find a solution quickly.
Clamber	To climb or move with difficulty	He clambered over the rocks to reach the cave.
Struggle through	To continue despite difficulty	She struggled through the exam even though it was hard.
Meet head-on	To face a problem directly	He met the challenge head-on and solved it.
Wrestle with	To think or fight hard about something	She wrestled with the decision for days.
Go through	To experience something difficult	He went through a lot during the pandemic.

23 Different Ways to Say STRUGGLE: Another Word for STRUGGLE

Battle

The word battle is used when someone faces a difficult situation and has to fight to get through it. This can mean fighting physically, like in sports or action, or mentally, like solving a problem or handling stress. Battle shows strong effort and determination. You can use it when someone does not give up, even if the situation is hard. It makes your writing stronger and more expressive. Battle is not just about winning; it is about effort and courage. Using battle helps readers understand the intensity of the struggle. It is a powerful synonym that shows serious difficulty and challenge.

She battled through illness to return to work.
They battled every obstacle to save the company.
He battled with doubts before making a decision.

Fight

Fight is a word that means trying hard to overcome something difficult. It can be physical, mental, or emotional. People fight problems, fears, or challenges in life. Fight shows active effort, energy, and determination. It is often used when someone refuses to give up. Using fight instead of struggle makes your writing more dynamic. It can describe personal battles, social issues, or even small daily challenges. Fight communicates effort clearly, showing the energy and persistence of the person facing the problem.

She fought to achieve her dream career.
He fights stress by exercising daily.
They fought against unfair rules in their school.

Wrestle

Wrestle is a word that means trying very hard to deal with a problem. It can be physical, like a sport, or mental, like thinking about a difficult decision. Wrestle shows effort and sometimes frustration. It is a good synonym for struggle because it communicates effort and action. You can use wrestle when someone is not giving up, even if it is very hard. Wrestle can also be used for working on emotions, ideas, or challenges. This word makes your writing more visual because it shows someone actively working against difficulties.

She wrestled with her emotions after the loss.
He wrestled with the math problem for an hour.
They wrestled to finish the project before the deadline.

Strive

Strive means to make a strong effort to achieve something. It is often used for goals, dreams, or personal growth. Strive shows determination, focus, and persistence. When someone strives, they continue to work hard even if it is difficult. It is a positive word that shows effort toward improvement or success. Strive can be used in school, work, sports, or life in general. Using strive instead of struggle emphasizes hard work and hope. It is encouraging and shows strong motivation.

She strives to be a better singer every day.
He strives to improve his skills in football.
They strive for success in their business.

Labor

Labor is used when someone works very hard, usually over a long time. It can refer to physical work, like building or farming, or mental work, like studying. Labor shows effort and persistence. It often implies exhaustion but also dedication. Using labor instead of struggle gives a sense of hard work and commitment. Labor emphasizes that the person is actively doing something, not just facing difficulty. This word is helpful when describing jobs, studies, or projects that need patience and endurance.

He labored all week to finish the garden.
She labored on her thesis for months.
They labored together to clean the entire building.

Tackle

Tackle means to deal with a difficult problem directly. It shows action and determination. When you tackle a problem, you are actively trying to solve it instead of avoiding it. Tackle is a strong synonym for struggle because it shows facing difficulty bravely. It can be used in work, school, or personal life. Tackle gives a sense of control over a problem. Using tackle makes your writing stronger because it shows action, not just effort. It is useful for motivating or showing determination.

We need to tackle the pollution problem urgently.
She tackled her homework despite being tired.
He tackled the project step by step to finish it on time.

Grapple

Grapple means to try hard to deal with a difficult situation. It often involves thinking, planning, or struggling to find a solution. Grapple shows effort and concentration. People grapple with emotions, problems, or challenges that are not easy to handle. It is a great synonym for struggle because it shows active engagement. Using grapple helps readers understand that the person is not giving up. It communicates persistence and determination clearly.

The team grappled with budget issues all month.
She grappled with the decision to change her career.
He grappled with feelings of fear before speaking publicly.

Endeavor

Endeavor means to try very hard to achieve something. It is often formal and shows dedication. People endeavor when they make continuous effort, even if success is not certain. Endeavor is a useful synonym for struggle because it emphasizes persistence and goal-directed effort. It can be used for work, studies, projects, or personal growth. Endeavor shows intention, planning, and determination. Using endeavor makes writing sound thoughtful and serious.

They endeavored to finish the project before the deadline.
She endeavored to learn a new language.
He endeavored to help his community.

Scramble

Scramble means to struggle quickly or frantically, often in a hurry. It shows urgency and difficulty. People scramble to achieve something or reach a goal. Scramble is a lively synonym for struggle because it shows action and speed. It can describe physical actions or mental effort. Using scramble adds energy to your writing. It shows that someone is trying hard under pressure.

He scrambled to catch the train on time.
She scrambled to finish her homework before the class.
They scrambled to organize the event at the last moment.

Flounder

Flounder means to struggle without making progress. It often shows confusion or lack of direction. People flounder when they face difficulties that seem too big to handle. Flounder is useful as a synonym for struggle because it shows both effort and difficulty. It can describe work, learning, or personal challenges. Using flounder communicates that someone is working hard but not succeeding yet.

She floundered in her new job at first.
He floundered trying to fix the broken machine.
They floundered while learning to swim.

Toil

Toil means to work very hard, usually over a long period. It is similar to labor but can feel more serious or exhausting. People toil to achieve results or complete tasks. Toil shows effort, patience, and commitment. It is a good synonym for struggle when describing long-term effort. Using toil emphasizes dedication and persistence in difficult situations.

Farmers toil in the fields every day.
She toiled over her essay all night.
He toiled to repair the old house.

Overcome

Overcome means to successfully deal with a problem or difficulty. It shows that effort leads to success. People overcome obstacles, fears, or challenges. Overcome is a strong synonym for struggle because it focuses on the result of hard work. Using overcome encourages and inspires readers. It communicates that difficulties can be defeated with effort.

He overcame his fear of heights.
She overcame the challenges of her new job.
They overcame financial difficulties together.

Persevere

Persevere means to continue working hard despite difficulties. It emphasizes patience and persistence. People persevere when they face obstacles but do not give up. Persevere is a valuable synonym for struggle because it shows ongoing effort. It can be used in school, work, sports, or life challenges. Using persevere highlights determination and courage.

She persevered and completed the marathon.
He persevered despite many failures.
They persevered in learning new skills.

Strain

Strain means to use effort to do something difficult. It can be physical, mental, or emotional. People strain when they push themselves to achieve a goal. Strain is a practical synonym for struggle because it shows effort and tension. Using strain helps readers understand the effort someone is making. It is useful for describing work, study, or challenges that require focus.

He strained to lift the heavy box.
She strained her eyes reading the small text.
They strained to finish the project on time.

Combat

Combat means to fight against a problem or challenge. It can be physical, social, or personal. People combat difficulties actively. Combat is a strong synonym for struggle because it shows action and determination. Using combat shows that someone is not passive but working to solve the problem. It is useful for writing about issues, conflicts, or personal efforts.

They combat crime in their neighborhood.
He combats stress by exercising regularly.
She combats illness with proper care.

Wrest

Wrest means to take or gain something with effort. It shows struggle and effort to control or achieve something. People wrest with opportunities, responsibilities, or challenges. Wrest is a vivid synonym for struggle because it shows action and determination. Using wrest adds intensity to your writing. It is good for describing situations where hard work or effort is needed to succeed.

She wrested control of the meeting from her colleague.
He wrested the last piece of cake from the table.
They wrested a victory from the opposing team.

Scrape

Scrape means to struggle to get or achieve something, often with difficulty. It shows effort and persistence. People scrape resources, time, or money to reach a goal. Scrape is a useful synonym for struggle because it communicates hardship and determination. Using scrape makes writing more relatable, showing real effort in tough situations.

He scraped together enough money for his trip.
She scraped to finish her project before the deadline.
They scraped every resource to complete the work.

Endeavour

Endeavour is the British spelling of endeavor. It means to try hard to achieve something. It shows effort, planning, and dedication. People endeavour to reach goals despite difficulties. Endeavour is a valuable synonym for struggle because it emphasizes persistence and focus. Using endeavour makes writing formal and serious.

They endeavoured to solve the problem quickly.
She endeavoured to learn new skills.
He endeavoured to improve his performance.

Clamber

Clamber means to climb or move with difficulty. It shows physical struggle and effort. People clamber over obstacles or rough surfaces. Clamber is a strong synonym for struggle because it shows active effort and challenge. Using clamber can make descriptions more visual and engaging. It works well for outdoor, physical, or adventurous situations.

He clambered over the rocks to reach the cave.
She clambered up the hill despite being tired.
They clambered to escape the flood.

Struggle through

Struggle through means to continue despite difficulty. It shows persistence and effort. People struggle through problems, tasks, or challenges when it is not easy. It is a direct synonym for struggle, emphasizing endurance. Using struggle through shows that someone is active and determined.

She struggled through the exam even though it was hard.
He struggled through the long journey.
They struggled through the tough season together.

Meet head-on

Meet head-on means to face a problem directly. It shows courage and determination. People meet challenges head-on when they do not avoid difficulty. Meet head-on is a strong synonym for struggle because it shows facing problems actively. Using meet head-on makes writing powerful and motivating.

He met the challenge head-on and solved it.
She met the criticism head-on with confidence.
They met the competition head-on.

Wrestle with

Wrestle with means to think or fight hard about something. It can be mental or emotional. People wrestle with decisions, emotions, or problems. It is a useful synonym for struggle because it shows effort and engagement. Using wrestle with highlights thoughtfulness and persistence.

She wrestled with the decision for days.
He wrestled with his feelings after the argument.
They wrestled with the problem to find a solution.

Go through

Go through means to experience something difficult. It shows that someone faces challenges or problems. People go through hardships, trials, or difficulties in life. Go through is a helpful synonym for struggle because it shows experience and effort. Using go through can make writing relatable and empathetic.

He went through a lot during the pandemic.
She went through tough times in her childhood.
They went through many challenges together.

Final Thoughts

Using different words for struggle makes your writing more interesting and expressive. These 23 synonyms show effort, challenges, and determination. Pick the right word to match your situation and make your sentences stronger.