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
Relevance
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
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 grappling
At the same time, companies are grappling with sustainability targets.
—
Tj Dunham, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
In Britain and the European Union, Tesla is grappling with policy headwinds and shrinking subsidies that threaten to dampen demand and slow its growth trajectory.
—Akash Sriram and Arsheeya Bajwa, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2025
And businesses in neighborhoods isolated by the loss of the bridge are grappling with a sustained decline in revenue.
—Christopher Cann, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2025
Making matters worse, much of the league is still grappling with the fallout of the 2023 collapse of regional sports network operator Diamond Sports Group (since rebranded as Main Street Sports Group).
—Justin Teitelbaum, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for grappling
Tj Dunham, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
In Britain and the European Union, Tesla is grappling with policy headwinds and shrinking subsidies that threaten to dampen demand and slow its growth trajectory.
—Akash Sriram and Arsheeya Bajwa, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2025
And businesses in neighborhoods isolated by the loss of the bridge are grappling with a sustained decline in revenue.
—Christopher Cann, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2025
Making matters worse, much of the league is still grappling with the fallout of the 2023 collapse of regional sports network operator Diamond Sports Group (since rebranded as Main Street Sports Group).
—Justin Teitelbaum, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for grappling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grappling
Verb
-
That’s an impressive feat given there was almost two hours without wrestling on a three-hour show.—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes,
8 Jan. 2025
-
Tonight's broadcast promises an exciting lineup of special guests, including John Cena, who will officially retire from wrestling this year, along with Logan Paul, Cody Rhodes, and Roman Reigns.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes,
7 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Knowing defensive back is a glaring need, especially with the release of Jack Jones, is trading back and grabbing someone like Jahdae Barron while acquiring another second-round pick worth considering?—
Vic Tafur,
New York Times,
11 Apr. 2025
-
Miley has taken a leaner approach the past few years, only grabbing one jersey and leaving the rest in his locker for the clubhouse workers to donate or disperse.—
Brittany Ghiroli,
New York Times,
11 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
This is an instinctive behavior due to their nature as predators, storing energy to use it later when catching prey.—
Mark Davis,
Newsweek,
14 Mar. 2025
-
The agency said gushes of water flooded downstream villages, catching the children who were fishing or doing laundry on a nearby river by surprise and also destroying agricultural equipment and killing livestock.—
Compiled by Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports,
arkansasonline.com,
14 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Pretending to be dead, Gi-hun and his friends launch a surprise attack, overpowering the guards and seizing their weapons, leaving only one guard alive.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes,
28 Dec. 2024
-
Individuals are seizing opportunities as well.—
Devorah Lauter,
ARTnews.com,
23 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Ukraine launched its shock incursion into Kursk in August, swiftly capturing territory in what was the first ground invasion of Russia by a foreign power since World War II.—
Christian Edwards,
CNN,
15 Mar. 2025
-
California has long struggled with chronic drought and water scarcity—Newsweek spoke to two experts about whether capturing water from fog may be able to help.—
Mark Davis,
Newsweek,
15 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Grappling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grappling. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share