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.

We’re ostensibly meeting to discuss the new film, directed by Steven Soderbergh, about a painter grappling with his legacy.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

They seemed to be genuinely grappling with the administration’s arguments about why the long-accepted understanding of the 14th Amendment’s citizenship clause is wrong.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

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

From MarketWatch • Mar. 27, 2026

Under US pressure, she is grappling with leading a country saddled with the world's largest proven oil reserves but an economy in shambles.

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

It didn’t treat Mormonism as the objective of human history, but neither did it discount the contribution Mormonism had made in grappling with the questions of the age.

From "Educated" by Tara Westover