grapple

grapple

noun

Definition of GRAPPLE

1

the act or manner of holding <was simply unable to break my opponent's viselike grapple and lost the wrestling match>

Synonyms clasp, clench, grapple, grasp, grip, handgrip, handhold

Related Words anchorage, leverage, purchase; grab, seizure; foothold, footing, toehold; clinch, embrace, hug

Near Antonyms release, relinquishment

2

an earnest effort for superiority or victory over another <after a grapple with his conscience, he confessed to having an affair>

Synonyms ball game, battle, combat, competition, conflict, confrontation, contention, dogfight, duel, face-off, grapple, match, rivalry, strife, struggle, sweepstakes (also sweep-stake), tug-of-war, war, warfare

Related Words horse race, nail-biter; showdown; clash, collision, discord, friction; argument, controversy, debate, disagreement, disputation, dispute, dissension (also dissention), quarrel, row, wrangle

Near Antonyms concord, harmony, peace