grapple 1 of 2

noun

ˈgra-pəl How to pronounce grapple (audio)
Definition of grapplenext
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

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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

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grapple

2 of 2

verb

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

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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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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 grapple
Noun
The sloptimists are betting that writing devoid of an inner purpose can rival the stuff ripped out of an author’s chest with a claw grapple. — Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 10 June 2026 The jump in yields comes as Warsh, who was confirmed by the Senate on Wednesday, grapples with an increasingly complicated inflation picture. — Jeff Cox,hugh Leask,sean Conlon,lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 15 May 2026
Verb
The plan to separate WBD's movie properties and streaming platform from its cable channels comes as media companies grapple with how to maintain profitability in the face of declining linear viewership and a broad shift to streaming. — Catriona Marangi, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026 In the context of a traditional school year, district leaders statewide have been grappling with chronic absenteeism following COVID-19. — Lina Ruiz october 6, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for grapple
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grapple
  1. grip
  2. struggle
  3. wrestle
  4. grab
  5. grasp
  6. battle
  7. catch
  8. hold
Noun
  • His penchant for the audacious was on display in 2024 when Puigdemont suddenly appeared in Barcelona, gave a public speech and slipped through the police’s grip.
    — Joseph Wilson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Plague death exposes Putin's crumbling grip as war and economy spiral downward.
    — , FOXNews.com, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of grip
Noun
  • Together, the songs take longtime Prine fans and new followers more deeply into his vivid approach to songwriting, which gave voice to the lives, emotions, struggles and celebrations of everyday people.
    — Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The heat is sweltering, mosquitoes buzz around the apartment and routine tasks are a constant struggle.
    — Catherine Ellis, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of struggle
Verb
  • Why attendance is the number to watch Even in a traditional school year, districts across Texas have been wrestling with chronic absenteeism since COVID-19.
    — Lina Ruiz October 8, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Oct. 2026
  • As Grammy season comes into full swing, one of the biggest questions the Recording Academy will need to wrestle with is how to handle the current surge in popularity for country music.
    — Alan Light, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of wrestle
Verb
  • Two teenage suspects, ages 14 and 15, allegedly grabbed a necklace from the victim’s neck after walking by them, according to police.
    — Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Or, just head down to one of the bars by the pool or grab a fresh juice.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of grab
Noun
  • And for the first time, applicants for permanent residency will be evaluated based on their Japanese language skills as well as their grasp of rules and customs.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2026
  • She’s praised for her strong sense of story, as well as her grasp of power politics.
    — Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of grasp
Noun
  • In yet another battle between the states and social media platforms, Florida asked a state judge to order changes on Instagram and Facebook in an effort to protect young users.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Oct. 2026
  • At the same time, Hollister was also engaged in a lengthy courtroom battle with Perry and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles over the rights to another property, a Los Feliz convent the singer hoped to turn into a private home.
    — Mickey Rapkin, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of battle
Verb
  • Set the scene Step past the elegant doormen, caps raised, into a lobby where gold and silver leaves, suspended from the ceiling, catch the light that pours into the building through its vast crystal canopy roof.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Most of his production came from receiver Malik Washington, who caught five balls for 67 yards.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of catch
Noun
  • Of the 19 analysts covering Cboe Global Markets, just 7 have a buy on the stock, while 11 have a hold rating on it, LSEG data shows.
    — Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 9 Oct. 2026
  • DonnaJean Wilde made her potential record-breaking attempt at the Huntsman World Senior Games in Utah this week and completed a plank hold for five hours.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of hold

Phrases Containing grapple

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Cite this Entry

“Grapple.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grapple. Accessed 11 Oct. 2026.

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