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
Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 21 Mar. 2025
During the tussle, the driver pulled a pistol from his pocket and shot both officers.
—Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2025
Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 3 Mar. 2025
In the clip, the animals tussle on a bed, Moose making playful growling noises as he and Peach play-fight, Moose using his mouth and Peach giving it all with his paws.
—Matt Robison, Newsweek, 18 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tussle
Noun
During the tussle, Ventura put the teen in a chokehold, constricting his breathing, police said.
—Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 21 Mar. 2025
During the tussle, the driver pulled a pistol from his pocket and shot both officers.
—Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2025
Verb
Bianca Belair was the third competitor to enter the match and tussled with Morgan from there.
—Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 3 Mar. 2025
In the clip, the animals tussle on a bed, Moose making playful growling noises as he and Peach play-fight, Moose using his mouth and Peach giving it all with his paws.
—Matt Robison, Newsweek, 18 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tussle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tussle
Noun
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The following day, however, Mercury will meet Mars in a stubborn square, triggering a clash between the need for practicality and discernment versus the desire to express oneself boldly and with pride.—
Staff Author,
People.com,
1 May 2025
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India has been a nuclear power for over 50 years, possessing an arsenal that is publicly clandestine but capable in warfare—notably against its neighboring country, Pakistan, amid their decades-long clash over Kashmir.—
Nick Mordowanec
John Feng,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Apr. 2025
Verb
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His aides had been wrestling with which defendants should be pardoned or have their sentences commuted.—
Eric Cortellessa,
Time,
25 Apr. 2025
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This potential matchup immediately sparked considerable interest among fans, envisioning a unique blend of music and wrestling stardom colliding in the ring.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The Holy Roman Empire army did eventually move on from the camp, engaging in several skirmishes with the Swedish army stationed nearby.—
Brendan Rascius,
Miami Herald,
18 Apr. 2025
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Today’s group readies to replay the opening battle skirmish, practicing to get their roles down for the upcoming anniversary celebration.—
Melanie Stetson Freeman,
Christian Science Monitor,
17 Apr. 2025
Verb
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In the final season of the Emmy-winning drama series, June will fight to take down Gilead with Luke and Moira joining the resistance, per Hulu.—
Saman Shafiq,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2025
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Garry snapped Prates’ win streak and that of the dominant Fighting Nerds fight camp with a masterful game plan and nearly impeccable execution.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
27 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Lorna Romero Ferguson, a Republican political strategist based in Arizona, told the Washington Examiner that both parties are still going to have to battle over redistricting efforts and keep extremist candidates from the ballot box to stay competitive after the 2030 census.—
Mabinty Quarshie,
The Washington Examiner,
26 Apr. 2025
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Barner had a good rookie season and the battle between him and Arroyo will be interesting to watch.—
Michael-Shawn Dugar,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The Tower is not always an omen of hardship and struggle.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 May 2025
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Since then Hutchinson has maintained that the murders were committed by two home invaders and that the family was killed in a struggle.—
James Powel,
USA Today,
1 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tussle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tussle. Accessed 6 May. 2025.
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