1
as in wrestling
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
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2
as in grabbing
to take physical control or possession of (something) suddenly or forcibly
a crane grappled the sunken boat and hoisted it above water
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of grappling
Talent professionals and job seekers alike are grappling with the enormous rise in job applications submitted every day, according to experts.
—
Sophie Caldwell, CNBC, 29 Oct. 2025
The White House has pushed back, arguing that larger businesses have sufficient margin space to accommodate the import taxes without affecting consumers—a growing number of whom are already grappling with affordability issues.
—Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2025
Not only are controllers worrying about how to pay for their mortgages and groceries, but Daniels said some of them are also grappling with how to pay for the medicine needed to keep their children alive.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 28 Oct. 2025
However, Paramount is grappling with the same issues that are plaguing other media giants.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for grappling
Sophie Caldwell, CNBC, 29 Oct. 2025
The White House has pushed back, arguing that larger businesses have sufficient margin space to accommodate the import taxes without affecting consumers—a growing number of whom are already grappling with affordability issues.
—Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2025
Not only are controllers worrying about how to pay for their mortgages and groceries, but Daniels said some of them are also grappling with how to pay for the medicine needed to keep their children alive.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 28 Oct. 2025
However, Paramount is grappling with the same issues that are plaguing other media giants.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for grappling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grappling
Verb
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Nip that sentiment in the bud by taking them out the following August for a few days of hauling fertilizer, picking rocks, wrestling farm implements, and driving tractors over unseen wasp nests.—
The Editors,
Outdoor Life,
30 Oct. 2025
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The most surprising ghost story of the season isn’t horror at all, but rather the story of one of America’s great artists wrestling spirits and trying to contain them on a cassette, which serves as its own kind of sacred vessel.—
Richard Newby,
HollywoodReporter,
29 Oct. 2025
Verb
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These are especially useful for taking public transport, grabbing a quick coffee, or leaving a small tip at a restaurant.—
Asia London Palomba,
Travel + Leisure,
25 Oct. 2025
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Peterson led the way, scoring 26 points — 24 before halftime — and grabbing four rebounds.—
Shreyas Laddha,
Kansas City Star,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Even a small showing of functional toughness from Tyler Kleven, fighting Joe Veleno after a thunderous check on Canadiens defenceman Alexandre Carrier, proved to be somewhat ill-advised.—
Julian McKenzie,
New York Times,
2 Nov. 2025
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Learning to trust someone who hurt her so deeply again, especially when pesky romantic feelings won’t stop fighting to the surface.—
Brittany Johnson,
PEOPLE,
2 Nov. 2025
Verb
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As for type 2, one of the difficulties of catching the condition in its early stages is that symptoms can develop very gradually.—
Caroline C. Boyle,
USA Today,
3 Nov. 2025
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The tight end had a big day as well, catching six passes for 101 yards.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
3 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Going into Detroit and snatching a victory, given the circumstances, would be an energy boost bordering on rocket-propulsion levels.—
Alec Lewis,
New York Times,
1 Nov. 2025
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Diabate is relentless and has an uncanny knack for the ball, endearing himself to his teammates with his penchant for keeping the ball alive or snatching offense rebounds off the glass.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The officer ended up seizing the exempt plates on Farzam’s car, McChesney said.—
Ray Sanchez,
CNN Money,
2 Nov. 2025
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In all those cases, the fund may lack the capital for seizing the opportunity.—
Shawn Tully,
Fortune,
1 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Ohtani went on to win the World Series with the Dodgers in his first season, capturing the National League MVP as well, without even pitching.—
Nelson Espinal,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Oct. 2025
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Every frame of the film feels intentional, capturing the river and forests of the Amazon with great attention to the light and sounds of the region.—
Christian Blauvelt,
IndieWire,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Other younger-generation consumers say there’s really no advantage to using cash and complain that getting some wastes time.—
Sydney Lake,
Fortune,
1 Nov. 2025
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See all the stars getting SCAD to the bone below.—
EW Staff,
Entertainment Weekly,
1 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Grappling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grappling. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.
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