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
Relevance
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
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
Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 16 Apr. 2026
The United States’ plan to blockade Iranian ports and marine traffic has sent oil prices surging, as the countries reignited their tussle over the crucial Strait of Hormuz after peace talks ended without a deal.
—Chantal Da Silva, NBC news, 13 Apr. 2026
David Hernandez, San Francisco Chronicle, 1 Apr. 2026
But filings ahead of the hearing in the 3rd Business Court Division shed more light on the dispute that has co-owners Grant Shaw and Alessandro Bosco — and Shaw’s former father in law Tom Sansone — tussling over control of the business and its debt.
—Paul Flahive, Austin American Statesman, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tussle
Noun
In that sense, the battle between the US and China isn’t only the petrostate-vs-electrostate dynamic, although that is certainly real, but a tussle over which country looks like a more stable investment climate.
—Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 16 Apr. 2026
The United States’ plan to blockade Iranian ports and marine traffic has sent oil prices surging, as the countries reignited their tussle over the crucial Strait of Hormuz after peace talks ended without a deal.
—Chantal Da Silva, NBC news, 13 Apr. 2026
Verb
The officer then shoved Phillips, who tussled with the officer and took him to the ground.
—David Hernandez, San Francisco Chronicle, 1 Apr. 2026
But filings ahead of the hearing in the 3rd Business Court Division shed more light on the dispute that has co-owners Grant Shaw and Alessandro Bosco — and Shaw’s former father in law Tom Sansone — tussling over control of the business and its debt.
—Paul Flahive, Austin American Statesman, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tussle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tussle
Noun
-
In some cases, the panel couldn’t even identify ICE or Border Patrol agents involved in high-profile clashes.—
Olivia Olander,
Chicago Tribune,
1 May 2026
-
The group of cyclists, who fell after the clash, collided into the side of the SUV and fell onto the pavement.—
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten,
FOXNews.com,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
DeKraker is headed to Minnesota and Liam Davis will wrestle at Northwestern.—
Chris Hays,
The Orlando Sentinel,
2 May 2026
-
Bonds The bond market is still wrestling with higher energy prices.—
John Towfighi,
CNN Money,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
The Pittsburgh Penguins staved off elimination for the second straight game with a clutch Game 5 win over the Philadelphia Flyers on Monday night, but celebrations were briefly halted when a skirmish erupted over a controversial hit on Sidney Crosby after the final buzzer.—
Paulina Dedaj,
FOXNews.com,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Walker, in a 10-pitch skirmish, drew a walk.—
Matt Kawahara,
Houston Chronicle,
19 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
At that point, the White House needs approval from the legislative branch to continue fighting, according to the War Powers Resolution, a law aimed at reasserting Congress’ constitutional role of declaring war.—
Michael Loria,
USA Today,
2 May 2026
-
Dyson Daniels and Mitchell Robinson were ejected after fighting following a pair of free throws from Anunoby that gave the Knicks a 50-point lead in the second quarter.—
Maura Carey,
Chicago Tribune,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
Voters will probably be bombarded with political ads and arguments from opposing sides as the battle intensifies.—
Queenie Wong,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Apr. 2026
-
The Koh-i-Noor then spent 70 years in Afghanistan, where it was passed around by leaders who won bloody battles against one another.—
Doha Madani,
NBC news,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Near the end of the penultimate episode, Cashman confronts Blake about Urich, shoves him to the ground in a scuffle and shoots him dead.—
Jordan Moreau,
Variety,
29 Apr. 2026
-
The impasse apparently led to a couple of scuffles, including one at a barbershop where Carter was nearly stabbed until one of the men cutting hair intervened.—
Nicholas Williams,
New York Daily News,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Plenty of Sellers’ struggles could be pinned on offensive play calling and a lack of polished talent around him.—
Nick Baumgardner,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Water Tower Place is about to get a complete $170 million makeover, a big step toward its recovery after years of financial struggle and the loss of several major tenants.—
Brian J. Rogal,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tussle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tussle. Accessed 4 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
