1
as in grip
the act or manner of holding
was simply unable to break my opponent's viselike grapple and lost the wrestling match
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in struggle
an earnest effort for superiority or victory over another
after a grapple with his conscience, he confessed to having an affair
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to wrestle
to seize and attempt to unbalance one another for the purpose of achieving physical mastery
two sumo wrestlers grappling like a pair of mammoth bears
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to grab
to take physical control or possession of (something) suddenly or forcibly
a crane grappled the sunken boat and hoisted it above water
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of grapple
Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
18 Mar. 2026
Ritchson's 81 grapples with a severe case of survivor's guilt after watching his brother die in Afghanistan.
—
Sergio Pereira,
Space.com,
11 Mar. 2026
Antonio Ferme,
Variety,
23 June 2026
But the kingdom is still grappling with sizeable budgets in preparing to host the Expo 2030 world trade fair and the FIFA World Cup in 2034.
—
Melissa Hancock,
Fortune,
23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for grapple
Noun
The department is sharing clips of recent incidents stemming from spring break chaos, earning hundreds of thousands of views as officials throughout the Sunshine State grapple with another year of college students descending on their city’s beaches.
—
Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
18 Mar. 2026
Ritchson's 81 grapples with a severe case of survivor's guilt after watching his brother die in Afghanistan.
—
Sergio Pereira,
Space.com,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
The series effectively elevated the character beyond being viewed simply as Superman’s female counterpart, reimagining her as a more emotionally complex and world-weary hero still grappling with the trauma of Krypton’s destruction.
—
Antonio Ferme,
Variety,
23 June 2026
But the kingdom is still grappling with sizeable budgets in preparing to host the Expo 2030 world trade fair and the FIFA World Cup in 2034.
—
Melissa Hancock,
Fortune,
23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for grapple
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grapple
Noun
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Anderson’s collection was about formality losing its grip — tuxedos loosened, denim ripped, sequins flashing, disco-ball boots stepping through a house built on old-world taste.
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Dead hangs build grip strength, shoulder mobility, and core endurance, which can support posture, daily function, and healthy aging.
Noun
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Thomas, 25, has seen limited playing time this season due to some offensive struggles.
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Carvalho’s struggles included a three-day strike in March 2023.
Verb
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Nearly 50 years later, the IRS and courts are still wrestling with how that exception applies to modern entities, including LLCs, LLPs, and foreign partnership-like structures that were not contemplated when the rule was drafted.
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Another clip shows people wrestling and exchanging blows in knee-deep water as bystanders shout and record the chaos on their phones.
Verb
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There is an art to cutting a cantaloupe, which starts long before grabbing the knife and cutting board.
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Schmidt can be forgiven for making this headline-grabbing prediction.
Noun
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Nothing seemed beyond his grasp.
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But there’s not a shortage of potential challengers who could step up and grab the championship from Ali’s grasp.
Noun
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Riff argued the issue to halt the payout was not a legal battle but rather a political one.
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While the first half of the match was full of battles and speed runs from one goal to another, the players seem to be taking a more methodical pace after returning from the locker room.
Verb
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Bass’ absence from the city soon caught the eye of right-wingers, with Spencer Pratt, who ran against her in the nonpartisan primary election, and Steve Hilton, who is running for governor, among those critiquing her.
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Prefab kits and plug-in infrared units have brought entry prices lower than most people expect, though hidden costs like electrical upgrades and ventilation still catch buyers off guard.
Noun
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Broward County government had talked about making a bid for the building, amid the shops and restaurants of Dania Pointe, but that is unlikely to happen after leaders put that idea on hold.
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The judge also noted the defendant currently has an immigration hold.
Cite this Entry
“Grapple.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grapple. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
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