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
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
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Recent Examples of tussle
Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 3 June 2025
The support rally came in response to news about the tussle between Fleischmann and the village over accusations that the pro-Trump store violated village sign ordinance and building codes with its inflatable dolls of President Trump and a banner hanging outside of the store.
—Shanzeh Ahmad, Chicago Tribune, 1 June 2025
Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 20 May 2025
Throughout 40 hours of interviews, Reubens, a perfectionist, and Wolf verbally tussle over control on the project.
—Erin Jensen, USA Today, 24 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for tussle
Noun
The tussle over rare earths precedes the current administration.
—Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 3 June 2025
The support rally came in response to news about the tussle between Fleischmann and the village over accusations that the pro-Trump store violated village sign ordinance and building codes with its inflatable dolls of President Trump and a banner hanging outside of the store.
—Shanzeh Ahmad, Chicago Tribune, 1 June 2025
Verb
While Oklahoma City and Minnesota are tussling in a steel cage match to reach the NBA Finals, Chopper Circle is without a general manager, without a head coach, without a draft pick in 2025, and without much cap space.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 20 May 2025
Throughout 40 hours of interviews, Reubens, a perfectionist, and Wolf verbally tussle over control on the project.
—Erin Jensen, USA Today, 24 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for tussle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tussle
Noun
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In many ways, the game might offer a blueprint for the quarterfinal clash against Paris Saint-Germain.—
Manuel Veth,
Forbes.com,
29 June 2025
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Small groups of far-right counter-protesters attempted to disrupt the parade, but police kept them away and diverted the route of the march to avoid any clashes.—
Anita Komuves,
USA Today,
28 June 2025
Verb
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Back then, traveling meant paying close attention to the roads, road signs, mile markers and more, all while wrestling with the flimsy paper map.—
Jason Foodman,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2025
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More Pro Wrestling: WWE Legend Jerry Lawler Shares Heartbreaking Health Update LA Knight has been wrestling professionally since 2003, appearing in promotions like the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), Total Nonstop Action (TNA), and even a brief period in WWE from 2013-2014.—
Jeremy Hanna,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 June 2025
Noun
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The protests were substantially peaceful, although small skirmishes resulting in arrests, damage to property and injuries broke out when police tried to disperse the crowd with rubber bullets and tear gas.—
Megan Schrader,
Denver Post,
22 June 2025
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The Fever emerged with an 88-71 win after a game that featured a pair of skirmishes, including a fight in the final minute that led to three ejections.—
Chuck Schilken,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2025
Verb
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The fire has been fought by 16 engines, seven water tenders, three dozers and three hand crews.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
26 June 2025
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The city argued the policy was confidential, and would interfere with the department’s ability to fight crime.—
Harrison Mantas,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
26 June 2025
Noun
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After a competitive bidding battle, Amazon MGM Studios has landed the package for a live-action movie revolving around the Bratz doll line with Kim Kardashian and Picturestart on board to produce.—
Justin Kroll,
Deadline,
25 June 2025
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That same month, Adams withdrew his candidacy for the Democratic primary, saying the legal battle had prevented him from effectively campaigning.—
Solcyré Burga,
Time,
25 June 2025
Noun
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Even the quiet, eyebrow-raising final moments, which suggest that the struggle for economic justice and equality might be utterly pointless, feel less like a philosophy and more like a real-life capitalist desire for more, more, more.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
28 June 2025
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The struggle was so real that Reynolds unveiled a special musical production for McElhenney's birthday devoted to teaching fans the pronunciation of his costar's last name, enlisting the help of some of his famous friends as well as members of the club's hometown.—
Sara Netzley,
EW.com,
28 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tussle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tussle. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.
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