to perform (a crime etc)

perform an action

to take part (in a race, contest, examination etc)

go up against in contest

to struggle, compete

compete, fight

bold and courageous or adventurous

adventurous

to make an effort to continue with, do, (especially difficult or tiring)

keep at; work hard

without pity (and determined)

cruel, merciless

thoughtful; not funny, silly or for pleasure; important because of danger; committed; sincere

somber, humorless

to struggle; to make great efforts

try for, exert oneself

of strive

try for, exert oneself

to compete (the usual word)

compete

of vie

compete