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.

The airline industry is grappling with rising costs, as a result of the Iran conflict.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Some voters in Japan wonder where the money will come from to lift military spending further, or if spending on missiles and troops is a wise choice when households are grappling with rising prices.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 28, 2026

“Markest are grappling with the fact that they expected this to be over on short order.”

From MarketWatch • Mar. 27, 2026

The party is also filling a void left by a conservative opposition which is grappling with infighting and a failure to appeal to younger voters and women.

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

Violet’s grappling hook had stuck on another hook.

From "The Bad Beginning" by Lemony Snicket