grappling

[grap-ling] / ˈgræp lɪŋ /

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.

They are all grieving the person they once thought they would be and grappling with the gulf between that and who they have become in order to provide for their children.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2026

European automakers have been grappling with intense competition and a struggling economy in China at the same time as U.S. tariffs have added costs across the industry.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

It soon came to provide crucial expertise and support to thousands of local election officials grappling with increasingly sophisticated attacks.

From Salon • Apr. 14, 2026

Investors are also grappling with questions about what impact artificial intelligence will have on the labor market and what’s next from the Federal Reserve.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

The pines threw their roots around the shore’s boulders, grappling with the living rocks and wrestling them into position.

From "Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy" by Gary D. Schmidt