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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of grapple
Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, FOXNews.com, 7 Apr. 2025
The cancellations represent a blow to vaccination and public health efforts in the Kansas City area – and come as Kansas grapples with a measles outbreak that’s infected at least 23 people.
—Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 5 Apr. 2025
Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2025
The anti-Christian bias email comes as the VA is also grappling with sweeping cuts to the agency and its workforce.
—Lauren Irwin, The Hill, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for grapple
Noun
As the aviation industry grapples with environmental concerns, innovations like the BYA-1 may prove crucial in achieving zero-carbon goals by 2050.
—Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, FOXNews.com, 7 Apr. 2025
The cancellations represent a blow to vaccination and public health efforts in the Kansas City area – and come as Kansas grapples with a measles outbreak that’s infected at least 23 people.
—Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 5 Apr. 2025
Verb
Dominican immigration crackdown This week, Higgins and others were grappling with another fallout of the health crisis and gang violence.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2025
The anti-Christian bias email comes as the VA is also grappling with sweeping cuts to the agency and its workforce.
—Lauren Irwin, The Hill, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for grapple
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grapple
Noun
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The now ruling Cambodian People’s Party, in power for over four decades, has justified its grip on the country through the trauma of the genocide.—
Sophal Ear,
The Conversation,
14 Apr. 2025
-
Systems built on power, fear, and control are reacting because their grip is beginning to loosen.—
Ingmar Rentzhog,
Forbes.com,
12 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Keith and Mark Newhouse of Newhouse Creative Group understand these struggles firsthand.—
Chris Gallagher,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2025
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Young’s struggles against the Heat continued early in Friday’s contest, scoring 14 points while shooting just 3 of 14 from the field and 1 of 5 on threes through the first three quarters.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
19 Apr. 2025
Verb
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This potential matchup immediately sparked considerable interest among fans, envisioning a unique blend of music and wrestling stardom colliding in the ring.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Apr. 2025
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The Rockets and Warriors grabbed and clutched and crashed to the court on Wednesday, with the Rockets wrestling a 109-94 victory in Game 2 of the best-of-seven first-round Western Conference series.—
Nicole Fallert,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Antetokounmpo finished the game by scoring 36 points, grabbing 13 rebounds, and blocking two shots.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Apr. 2025
-
Police said that once Davis left the apartment, the surviving 10-year-old quickly grabbed her baby brother, locked the door and called for help.—
Chris Spargo,
People.com,
18 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Twice, the Foxes had fourth spot in their grasp, in 2019-20 and 2020-21, only to throw it away.—
Zak Garner-Purkis,
Forbes.com,
21 Apr. 2025
-
Even without a cure, Turner says his grasp on life is stronger than ever.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA Today,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
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In short, Saturday's clash will bring to a head a battle between two families, two fighters caught in a war started by their fathers, and Eubank won't even have his by his side as they are still estranged.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
26 Apr. 2025
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The Trump administration is also embroiled in a contentious legal battle regarding deportation involving Kilmar Abrego Garcia.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The research team used advanced 3D imaging technology to find the ancient ant had many features similar to modern dirt ants, including distinctive mandibles with 12 triangular teeth for catching prey.—
Doc Louallen,
ABC News,
17 Apr. 2025
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Doses are given at: 2 months 4 months 6 months 15–18 months 4–6 years Can adults get whooping cough? Adults can catch whooping cough, though symptoms tend to be milder than in children.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Fed officials have forecast two rate cuts this year, but some economists think the Fed will have to stay on hold.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2025
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Referrals for collection had been put on hold since March 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the U.S. government also paused federal student loan payments and interest accrual as a temporary relief measure.—
ADRIANA MORGA,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Grapple.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grapple. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.
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