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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of tussled
The singer’s blond hair was tussled into a messy updo with strands of hair to frame Jackson’s face.
—
Julia Teti, Footwear News, 1 Oct. 2025
This is not the first time Finkam and city councilors have tussled over management of the events and festivals Carmel has become known for.
—Jake Allen, IndyStar, 17 Sep. 2025
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
Julia Teti, Footwear News, 1 Oct. 2025
This is not the first time Finkam and city councilors have tussled over management of the events and festivals Carmel has become known for.
—Jake Allen, IndyStar, 17 Sep. 2025
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
-
At the airport, the driver wrestled our bags to the curb and was gone.—
Ann Patchett,
New Yorker,
29 Sep. 2025
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The Colts went after him in Week 2 like few teams have in Surtain’s career, and Chargers receiver Quentin Johnston wrestled off Surtain to go skidding for a 37-yard gain in Week 3.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
26 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Rachel Goldberg-Polin fought to save her son’s life.—
Romina Ruiz-Goiriena,
USA Today,
4 Oct. 2025
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Years after Air Force Combat Controller John Chapman fought to the death to save his fellow soldiers, an intelligence officer strives to prove his valor — leading an investigation that ultimately would secure him the Medal of Honor.—
Justin Kroll,
Deadline,
3 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tussled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tussled. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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