tussles 1 of 2

Definition of tusslesnext
plural of tussle

tussles

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of tussle
as in wrestles
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 tussles
Noun
After Dobbins was shelved before Week 11, the Broncos still had seven more regular-season games on the fight card and two more postseason tussles — and would’ve been three if Nix had been healthy. Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 10 Mar. 2026 Through their relationship, as the duo tussles over everything from hedge cutting to how to handle their resident storks, the film explores whether land is intended for food production, or whether saving the natural world should be prioritized at all costs. Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 2 Mar. 2026 From Agnes’ brutal childbirth scenes to the wrenching heartbreak when the plague hits their household and takes 11-year-old Hamnet (Jacobi Jupe), Zhao immerses you in Agnes and Will’s grief while also touching on their own individual internal tussles. Brian Truitt, USA Today, 22 Jan. 2026 That plan was delayed for years by litigation from preservationists and legal and political tussles with Miami elected officials, including now former Mayor Francis Suarez, who tried to block demolition. Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 15 Jan. 2026 Multiple unnecessary tussles with the SEC, including a settlement that cost him $20 million and his position of Tesla chair for three years. Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 31 Dec. 2025 As a result, high borrowing costs and legal tussles with restive foreign investors have left the country unable to take on debt abroad for most of the past two decades. Arkansas Online, 7 Dec. 2025 Winter’s vocal presence imagines a fearless indie oddball like Pavement’s Stephen Malkmus going for the full prattling gusto of the Rolling Stones’ Mick Jagger; the band tussles and sways exhilaratingly underfoot. Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 2 Dec. 2025 Winslet’s Julia and Riseborough’s Molly are forced to confront their long-running feud while everyone tussles with their bubbling grief. Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 26 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tussles
Noun
  • With billions of dollars at stake, the conflicts manifest in sharp skirmishes in the Legislature, in courts and in the ballot measure arena.
    Dan Walters, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2026
  • In a dangerous escalation from cross-border skirmishes, Pakistan launched air strikes at the end of February, targeting major cities including Kabul.
    Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 24 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • This is definitely something that every fan wrestles with.
    Dan Shanoff, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026
  • At left, Nora wrestles Jefferson’s Ella Hughes during the finals of the 135-pound weight class.
    Jason Getz, AJC.com, 27 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Videos from the scene showed clashes and even a man with a gun in one town.
    ABC News, ABC News, 30 Mar. 2026
  • In Dallas, clashes erupted between No Kings marchers and counter-protesters.
    Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 29 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Blaydes fights Josh Hokit on the main card of UFC 327 on April 11 in Miami.
    Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Instead of fighting fire with fire, Lamont fights fire with facts.
    Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Hartford Courant, 29 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • At the same time, groups like the nonpartisan Latino Victory Project, which focuses on developing Hispanic political leadership, said this current moment should not distract from the still-ongoing civil rights battles.
    ABC News, ABC News, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Understandably, some gamers may be skeptical or even alarmed, given the ethical issues and legal battles surrounding generative AI.
    Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 31 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Tussles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tussles. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

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