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.

“I think she deeply and personally understands the everyday struggles that so many Californians are grappling with right now,” said Petrie-Norris, who last month became the first state legislator to endorse Porter.

From Los Angeles Times • May 11, 2026

Not just the goals that have been scored, but the constant grappling, pushing, pulling and wrestling.

From BBC • May 11, 2026

In the early 1990s, Qatar was grappling with a period of economic strain - high debt levels and weak state revenues were weighing heavily on its finances.

From BBC • May 6, 2026

In Indonesia, the company is grappling with a government proposal to cap the commission ride-hailing platforms can collect from drivers to 8% a trip from around 20%.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026

She hadn’t told Klaus about her plan, because she didn’t want to give him false hope, so without waking him, she gathered up her grappling hook and tiptoed out of the room.

From "The Bad Beginning" by Lemony Snicket