grapples; grappled; grappling
1
: to hold and fight with another person
The wrestlers grappled [=wrestled] on the mat.
—usually + withThe wrestlers grappled with each other.
2
: to try to solve a problem : to deal with a problem
—+ with
Every parent has to grapple with [=cope with] a variety of serious issues.
The company has been grappling with supply problems.
Cite this Entry
“Grapple.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/grapple. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.
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