tussled

past tense of tussle
as in wrestled
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

Relevance

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 tussled The order, part of a series targeting law firms Trump has tussled with, cited Susman Godfrey’s work on elections and said the government would not do business with any of its clients or permit any of its staff in federal buildings. Nicholas Riccardi, Fortune, 18 Aug. 2025 These supplies, though not as fancy as the latest kicks, the coolest backpack or the phones kids now have to be tussled with to put away in order to focus, are essentials in creating a learning environment where children can thrive. Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 6 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tussled
Verb
  • Where truth is boxed and shelved, not wrestled with.
    Big Think, Big Think, 10 Sep. 2025
  • For an island whose economy has long wrestled with the effects and aftershocks of natural disasters, fiscal crises, and inconsistent tourism, this is a very significant boost.
    Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The fire is fought by four engines, one water tender, two dozers and two hand crews.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 13 Sep. 2025
  • After the hit, defenseman Braden Hache, who split time between Barracuda of the AHL and Wichita of the ECHL last season, stepped in and fought Francis.
    Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 13 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tussled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tussled. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on tussled

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!