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
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Recent Examples of grappling
Looking back, McKeon remembers grappling with the in-betweens of learning about herself while trying to navigate her new normal.
—
Michelle Lee,
PEOPLE,
25 June 2026
The district is grappling with declining enrollment and stagnant test scores, with only 40% of students reading on grade level.
—
Ciara McCarthy,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
24 June 2026
The proposals come as legislators continue grappling with complaints about HOA overreach, transparency and accountability.
—
Nora O'Neill,
Charlotte Observer,
24 June 2026
In the spring of 1990, Cuban President Fidel Castro was grappling with the likelihood of conflict with the United States — for the first time without the promise of Russian help.
—
Avery Schmitz,
CNN Money,
24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for grappling
Michelle Lee,
PEOPLE,
25 June 2026
The district is grappling with declining enrollment and stagnant test scores, with only 40% of students reading on grade level.
—
Ciara McCarthy,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
24 June 2026
The proposals come as legislators continue grappling with complaints about HOA overreach, transparency and accountability.
—
Nora O'Neill,
Charlotte Observer,
24 June 2026
In the spring of 1990, Cuban President Fidel Castro was grappling with the likelihood of conflict with the United States — for the first time without the promise of Russian help.
—
Avery Schmitz,
CNN Money,
24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for grappling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grappling
Verb
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Wallace ended up wrestling the gun back from the officer, police said, at which point the officer shot Wallace, police said at the time.
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Growth comes from wrestling with uncertainty long enough to form your own conclusions.
Verb
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The video then shows the woman throwing Martinez to the ground, grabbing her by the hair and repeatedly attacking her as bystanders try to step in and help.
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According to Sangrio, the video appears to show Matthew Cox, O'Toole's then-attendant, striking the 60-year-old with a broom, punching him and grabbing him by the neck.
Verb
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Then some classic fighting soldiers — not American Revolution battles but intergalactic — come blended into the metal music gyrations of the helmet-wearing band Galactic Empire.
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As with fighting the coronavirus pandemic and the climate crisis, the urgency of the problem will likely only sink in when the need arises.
Verb
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Residents and visitors line downtown streets waving flags, children scramble for the best candy-catching spots along the parade route, and families spend the day enjoying pancake breakfasts, baseball and an evening fireworks show.
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Rushing’s injury could have suddenly put the Dodgers’ catching situation in a precarious position.
Verb
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Heim, the 2024 truck series champion who will move full time into Cup next season with 23XI Racing, led the final three laps after snatching first from teammate Tyler Reddick.
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Qatar trailed for more than 70 minutes against Switzerland before snatching its draw with a 94th-minute goal from Miro Muheim.
Verb
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Authorities served a search warrant at the rescue on May 1, seizing electronics, business records, financial records, firearms, and other evidence, according to the sheriff.
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For leadership teams worldwide, this requires striking a careful balance between responding to immediate disruption and seizing arising opportunities to bolster growth.
Verb
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On the top floor, there were wooden beams and skylights capturing the sunset.
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Democratic votes split for governor In a candidate field that saw far more competition for Democrats than Republicans, GOP candidate Hilton was the single most popular governor candidate in the county, capturing about 30% of the vote.
Verb
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Both teams are dangerous and could make runs, but getting past their first opponents in the next stage will be a daunting task.
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To avoid rage-booking, experts suggest pausing before purchasing, getting a second opinion, and planning travel in advance.
Cite this Entry
“Grappling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grappling. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.
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