as in clash
a physical dispute between opposing individuals or groups
a small tussle on the basketball court was quickly broken up
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to wrestle
to seize and attempt to unbalance one another for the purpose of achieving physical mastery
puppies tussling with one another, rolling over and over on the carpet
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of tussle
Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 21 Apr. 2025
These can be just as fascinating as a peak-level match, if not as pretty — a fierce battle, a compelling tussle, an exhibition of the mental toll the sport can take on players.
—Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 3 Mar. 2025
In the clip, the animals tussle on a bed, Moose making playful growling noises as he and Peach play-fight, Moose using his mouth and Peach giving it all with his paws.
—Matt Robison, Newsweek, 18 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tussle
Noun
Dallas had lost its last eight Game 1s, including the one that lifted the curtain on last spring’s West semifinal tussle with the Avs.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 21 Apr. 2025
These can be just as fascinating as a peak-level match, if not as pretty — a fierce battle, a compelling tussle, an exhibition of the mental toll the sport can take on players.
—Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
Bianca Belair was the third competitor to enter the match and tussled with Morgan from there.
—Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 3 Mar. 2025
In the clip, the animals tussle on a bed, Moose making playful growling noises as he and Peach play-fight, Moose using his mouth and Peach giving it all with his paws.
—Matt Robison, Newsweek, 18 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tussle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tussle
Noun
-
The following day, however, Mercury will meet Mars in a stubborn square, triggering a clash between the need for practicality and discernment versus the desire to express oneself boldly and with pride.—
Staff Author,
People.com,
1 May 2025
-
India has been a nuclear power for over 50 years, possessing an arsenal that is publicly clandestine but capable in warfare—notably against its neighboring country, Pakistan, amid their decades-long clash over Kashmir.—
Nick Mordowanec
John Feng,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The quiet team member might be wrestling with impostor syndrome rather than lacking engagement.—
Jeremy Bradley-Silverio Donato,
Forbes.com,
6 May 2025
-
The Supreme Court wrestled with the question Wednesday.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
1 May 2025
Noun
-
But the pause comes amid a backdrop of daily skirmishes, largely by drone warfare.—
Stephen J. Beard,
USA Today,
10 May 2025
-
Not about the economic turmoil from tariffs, any one of the skirmishes playing out abroad, or a surprise shake-up in his White House staff.—
Will Gottsegen,
The Atlantic,
9 May 2025
Verb
-
Byram was fighting unsuccessfully to keep Norwich City in the Premier League under Farke when Bielsa was taking Leeds to that EFL title.—
Beren Cross,
New York Times,
9 May 2025
-
Lawyers for the county are fighting to shield much of the expert testimony from a jury if the case goes to trial.—
Jeff McDonald,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 May 2025
Noun
-
As the battle for Champions League football hots up, Nottingham Forest have a must-win game against their local rivals Leicester City, having taken just seven points from their last six Premier League games.—
Holly Shand,
New York Times,
8 May 2025
-
As soon as hot weather sets in, chickweed begins to slow its growth, often dying out by midsummer, but don’t think the battle is won.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 May 2025
Noun
-
Since then Hutchinson has maintained that the murders were committed by two home invaders and that the family was killed in a struggle.—
James Powel,
USA Today,
1 May 2025
-
The Tower is not always an omen of hardship and struggle.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tussle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tussle. Accessed 13 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share