TUSSLE Synonyms: 77 Similar and Opposite Words

tussle 1 of 2

noun

ˈtə-səl

Definition of tussle

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

truce

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

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 The move is meant to represent a fresh start for Lively with a focus back on her career and not the 18-month legal tussle that generated considerable media attention. — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2026

Verb

After Lewandowski tussled with Inter Miami defender Ian Fray, De Paul approached Lewandowski aggressively and proceeded to recite the latest accomplishments on his résumé. — Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026 But for those who find (and in some cases may be slightly mystified as to why) that there is a nagging, needling value to Schrader’s ongoing project of tussling with grandiose dilemmas of transgression and deliverance, there is some new news here. — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tussle

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tussle

Noun

But any Republican looking for the nomination to succeed Trump will have to sidestep the same sort of internal clashes over Israel that have bedeviled Democrats.

— Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 26 Oct. 2026
In Spain, the unrest was largely concentrated in Barcelona, unlike France, where protests and clashes spread across multiple cities.

— Amanda Macias, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of clash

Verb

Grown men clock in to work to wrestle in the sand with their friends, bond closely with their horses, and film thirst traps for social media on their lunch breaks.

— Alessandra Schade, Vanity Fair, 28 Oct. 2026
But Le Mindu is hardly the only designer to have confronted his own fears of death through fashion—designers have long used this medium to wrestle with what is paradoxically both life’s only guarantee and one of its greatest mysteries.

— Livia Caligor, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of wrestle

Noun

This week’s public skirmish was a repeat performance, if not a somewhat pathetic display of both men’s need to agitate for attention.

— Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
An agent removed Pretti’s gun from his waistband and can be seen exiting the skirmish.

— Whitney Wild, CNN Money, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of skirmish

Verb

Spouses already made financially vulnerable by years of relocations can be left navigating unfamiliar courts, hiring lawyers in two countries and fighting simply to bring their children home.

— Brianna Keilar, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2026
Brooke’s healing journey Luther, whose daughter Oakley is almost 3 years old now, has been fighting to not let her injuries define her.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of fight

Noun

The leader, facing a tough re-election battle, has focused much of his campaign ahead of Tuesday’s vote on security.

— Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 24 Oct. 2026
By focusing on the battles fought in luxury department stores, fashion shows, high-end spas, nail salons, and the home, the film illustrated just how limited even privileged women’s options were.

— Raymond Ang, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of battle

Noun

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle noted that Indiana has now played two games that have resulted in multiple scuffles.

— ABC News, ABC News, 23 Oct. 2026
Video taken from inside a vehicle captured some of the scuffle, including the attacker getting up, striking Batista in the head with the butt of a pistol and taking off as the victim lies motionless in the street.

— Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of scuffle

Noun

The journey from the theatrical release to The Final Cut, opening on the twenty‑fifth anniversary of the film in 2007, is akin to the struggle of historians to set the record straight.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 Oct. 2026
For a team that did not shy away from its Super Bowl expectations during training camp, this is the Cowboys’ chance to prove that the early season struggles were an outlier and that the plan is still in motion.

— Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of struggle

Browse Nearby Words

tushes

tussle

tussled

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Style

“Tussle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tussle. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of tussle

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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