grapple

[grap-uhl] / ˈgræp əl /

VERB

grab, wrestle

Synonyms

STRONGEST

confront contend cope deal with

STRONG

attack battle catch clash clasp close clutch combat encounter engage face fasten fight grasp grip hold hook hug nab nail scuffle seize snatch struggle tackle take tussle

WEAK

do battle take on

Antonyms

STRONG

agree avoid be immune cancel disconnect dodge free give idle let go liberate lose make peace misunderstand offer open receive refuse reject release retreat run stop support surrender unfasten unlock yield

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The changes to the EU's border system come as airlines grapple with skyrocketing jet fuel costs and concerns over ongoing fuel supplies ahead of the busy summer months.

From BBC • May 7, 2026

And yet the only two justices that were really willing to grapple with it and push back were Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Kentanji Brown Jackson, the two women of color on the bench.

From Slate • May 4, 2026

The shuttering comes as airlines grapple with the impact of the Iran crisis on fuel prices and consumer sentiment.

From MarketWatch • May 2, 2026

Specifically, she says world leaders should be increasing the number of winners in trade deals as they grapple with the U.S.-China rivalry, geopolitical fragmentation and artificial intelligence.

From Barron's • Apr. 12, 2026

I can’t grapple for it, because if I do it will all spill out.

From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman

Vocabulary lists containing grapple

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