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
Instead, the trio is grappling with an unfathomable crime story that hits close to home.
—
Brian Steinberg, Variety, 10 Feb. 2026
Both dramas from Asia offer a panorama of a family rocked by unexpected circumstances and grappling with the mundane realities of an economic life mismatched to their goals.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 10 Feb. 2026
But two of them are grappling with the fact that advancing years and decreasing mobility mean this is probably the last time.
—Patrick Whittle, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026
Musk is far from alone in grappling with that tension.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for grappling
Brian Steinberg, Variety, 10 Feb. 2026
Both dramas from Asia offer a panorama of a family rocked by unexpected circumstances and grappling with the mundane realities of an economic life mismatched to their goals.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 10 Feb. 2026
But two of them are grappling with the fact that advancing years and decreasing mobility mean this is probably the last time.
—Patrick Whittle, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026
Musk is far from alone in grappling with that tension.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for grappling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grappling
Verb
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When was wrestling sanctioned in Iowa colleges and universities?—
Cooper Worth,
Des Moines Register,
17 Feb. 2026
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Sanchez, wrestling at 120 pounds, won all five of his matches by fall or by technical fall.—
Steve Fryer,
Oc Register,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Within a few blocks of the hotel are also many spots worthy of grabbing a tasty bite or a drink—Bamboo Sushi, Radio Room, and Walter French's, to name a few.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
20 Feb. 2026
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What’s particularly exciting is how many films are grabbing dates in ’27 and ’28.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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My entire career has been dedicated to fighting crime, upholding the law, and protecting Texans—experience no other candidate can match.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2026
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Such a marathon is not unlike long weeks spent on the road competing, constantly fighting jet lag, and navigating limited options for fueling meals ahead of game time.—
Kayla Blanton,
Outside,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Getting there involves chartering a plane or catching a flight or ferry from another island.—
Patricia Doherty,
Travel + Leisure,
17 Feb. 2026
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The attitude evidently was catching.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Alongside Palasciano, speakers assailed the influx of Indian Americans, from accusing them of snatching the American Dream to criticizing their driving skills and even blaming them for traffic.—
Sarah Bahari,
Dallas Morning News,
16 Feb. 2026
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Guards shouting orders and snatching toys from small hands.—
Mike Hixenbaugh,
NBC news,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Federal agents recently descended on Georgia state election offices without warning, seizing equipment, records, and ballots.—
State Rep. Matt Blumenthal,
Hartford Courant,
12 Feb. 2026
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Williams also said the warrant didn't specify what the agents were supposed to be seizing.—
Irene Wright,
USA Today,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Holtville placed five wrestlers in the finals, with Anthony Strahm capturing the 120-pound title and Axel Gomez taking the 215 title.—
San Diego Union-Tribune,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Feb. 2026
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Chloe Nelson ran the second leg while Emily ran the third in capturing Gold in the 200 Medley Relay.—
Mike Waters,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
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For example, when Ilana is undressing, the camera is fixed on Dana being mindful to give her privacy even in their close proximity — an out of focus glimpse of Ilana’s bare backside comes only when getting a reaction of Emma taking in the weight of the moment.—
Senior Television,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Feb. 2026
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Obviously, getting another gold medal for her, so happy for her.—
Michael Russo,
New York Times,
20 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Grappling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grappling. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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