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.

Almost all the 22,000 other students are still grappling with how to pay back tens of thousands of pounds.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

Federal Reserve officials have been grappling with what it would mean if the economy needs far fewer jobs to keep the unemployment rate steady.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

The survey, conducted by San Diego State University researchers last fall, shows CSU grappling with how AI is affecting assignments, classroom instruction, competition for jobs and academic integrity.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

Strategy Inc., the largest corporate holder of Bitcoin, may be grappling with the same question.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

They used a doubled segment of rope and the grappling hook to cross to the roof of the drüskelle sector.

From "Six of Crows" by Leigh Bardugo