struggled

verb

past tense of struggle
1
as in stumbled
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in labored
to devote serious and sustained effort the financially strapped couple struggled to make ends meet

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 struggled While Big Tech companies have aggressively expanded their AI footprint, the iPhone maker has struggled to find its footing. — Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2026 In his second year as a head coach, Tyler Marsh once again struggled to cement a clear playing identity. — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026 Darline Graham — a political newcomer serving as interim replacement for her late brother — has struggled to define herself to voters who routinely backed Lindsey Graham in the heavily Republican state. — ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026 With Mathys Tel on the left, Richarlison through the middle and Mikey Moore on the right, Tottenham struggled to get a foothold in the game. — Andy Naylor, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 Pamela Howard has struggled for nearly two decades with the pain of the killing of her son Derrell Baker at age 17. — Yona Gavino, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026 Reyes also struggled with substance abuse, eventually becoming sober in 2017, per the New York Post. — Kate Hogan, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026 The agency has struggled to fill all of its available call-taker positions. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026 Following his speech, council members struggled to restore order as some of Lang's supporters began shouting, and one was escorted out by police. — Dejanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for struggled
  1. stumbled
  2. labored
  3. worked
  4. endeavored
  5. tried
Verb
  • But most of the attempts to scale sodium-ion cells stumbled over short lifespans and poor heat tolerance.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026
  • In her attempt to get away, the woman stumbled and injured her leg, screaming for help the whole time, police said.
    — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of stumbled
Verb
  • Humans engaged user interfaces to command software and engage with outputs like dashboards, while APIs labored in the background.
    — George C. Lee II, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Royals starter Seth Lugo labored through 4 2/3 innings while allowing five runs.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of labored
Verb
  • The Dream Box itself is tribute to her original mentor and uncle, Bill Owens, who has worked tirelessly to preserve the American Chestnut tree.
    — Isabelle Farina, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Advertisement The Wagoner band worked constantly, and Parton learned how to hold her own onstage and in the studio.
    — Shima Oliaee, Time, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of worked
Verb
  • Whatever people think of the film, it was endeavored to be made with purely with the process at its heart.
    — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Italy’s defense ministry transferred ownership to the town of Affi in 2018, and in 2022 the University of Florence endeavored on a study to map the bunker’s expansive reach.
    — Andy Battaglia, ARTnews.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of endeavored
Verb
  • Moczarski, who had once tried to assassinate Stroop, discovered that his cellmate was entirely unrepentant, and willing to discuss his crimes freely.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Because of a lack of variety in Halal restaurants, neither of the men had tried barbecue besides brisket before their trip.
    — Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of tried

Browse Nearby Words

struggle
struggled
struggles
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Cite this Entry

“Struggled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/struggled. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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