tussle 1 of 2

noun

ˈtə-səl How to pronounce tussle (audio)
Definition of tusslenext
as in clash
a physical dispute between opposing individuals or groups a small tussle on the basketball court was quickly broken up

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

tussle

2 of 2

verb

as in to wrestle
to seize and attempt to unbalance one another for the purpose of achieving physical mastery puppies tussling with one another, rolling over and over on the carpet

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 tussle
Noun
The Senegal international wins his individual tussle with the defender, laying the ball off for Johan Manzambi, who quickly returns it to Jackson to score. — Thom Harris, New York Times, 14 Oct. 2026 Sanders had posted an 18-23 record at CU going into this weekend’s Homecoming tussle with the Red Raiders. — Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 3 Oct. 2026
Verb
His bed, once artfully tussled, is a feat of military-tight corners. — Sam Cochran, Architectural Digest, 16 Oct. 2026 For decades, Coke and Pepsi have tussled over important restaurant partners, which represent both a sales opportunity and the chance to grow the visibility of their beverage brands. — Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tussle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tussle
  1. clash
  2. wrestle
  3. skirmish
  4. fight
  5. battle
  6. scuffle
  7. struggle
Noun
  • Ahead of Leo’s arrival in Argentina, the first by a pope in nearly 40 years, Milei’s officials had dismissed the prospect of a political clash.
    — Isabel Debre, Los Angeles Times, 9 Nov. 2026
  • That has to leave a bad taste in their mouth entering this week’s clash.
    — Scott Chasen, Kansas City Star, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of clash
Verb
  • School districts across the nation, including Chicago Public Schools, have been publicly wrestling with AI integration in the classroom amid ongoing concerns about cheating and short-circuiting student learning.
    — Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 12 Nov. 2026
  • The News Senate Republicans spent this week wrestling through divisions, reelecting John Thune as their leader, and pledging to confirm conservative judges while avoiding a government shutdown during their last two months in the majority.
    — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of wrestle
Noun
  • Cousins was left sprawled out on the ice as a skirmish broke out at center ice.
    — Ryan Gaydos OutKick, FOXNews.com, 11 Nov. 2026
  • The British continued their march to Concord, where another skirmish broke out before the British returned to Boston.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of skirmish
Verb
  • Dado is, though, as dedicated an avant-guardist as Chicago theater has seen, and there are times when that impulse to lean into symbolism fights a play heavily reliant on empathy and realism.
    — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 13 Nov. 2026
  • Decisions on how to fight the Knowles fire were driven by the desire to prevent the spread of cheatgrass and protect sage-grouse habitat and a downwind community, the report said.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Nov. 2026
Definition of fight
Noun
  • The letter was shared as Haitian police and foreign forces continue to battle gangs, with Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé announcing on X late Friday that a gang leader was killed, without identifying him.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2026
  • The attention surfaced new accusations of misconduct against sitting members and thrust a spotlight onto others that were part of ongoing legal battles.
    — Anna Liss-Roy, Washington Post, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of battle
Noun
  • Authorities also reported tensions, scuffles and other incidents in the cities of Lyon, Nantes, Pau, Orléans, Rennes and Toulouse.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The 15-year NBA veteran who has been in a number of scuffles and confrontations added another to his resume against the Phoenix Suns.
    — Ryan Gaydos OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of scuffle
Noun
  • Gateway has also faced struggles under American Healthcare Systems’ ownership.
    — Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 13 Nov. 2026
  • The autopsy determined Banks died of a heart attack ' following prolonged struggle and physical restraint'.
    — Brian Maass, CBS News, 13 Nov. 2026
Definition of struggle

Browse Nearby Words

tushes
tussle
tussled
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Cite this Entry

“Tussle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tussle. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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