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.

Towns across the U.S. are grappling with the end of federal pandemic aid that propped up budgets, along with higher municipal costs and, in many cases, state-imposed revenue limits.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 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

They are questions I've been grappling with for three years.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

Swalwell’s competitors were quick to amplify the assertions, grappling for advantage in a race that remains stubbornly knotted up.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

Even as he spoke, a beat of wings went skyward off to the right—a mountain eagle, grappling a white goose in his talons, heavy prey hooked from a farmyard.

From "The Odyssey" by Homer