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.

See Examples For:

grappling

Militaries worldwide are grappling with breakneck technological change and the lessons from Ukraine and the Persian Gulf.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 11, 2026

Meek, a 10-year-old Black girl, is grappling with her fears of nuclear Armageddon as more prosaic domestic concerns kick into high gear.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 8, 2026

Referees, for instance, have still needed to stop corners to speak to players who are grappling.

From BBC ● Jul. 8, 2026

Whether in the U.S. or Europe, defense companies worldwide are grappling with significant backlogs.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 7, 2026

“He’s having convulsions,” one of the men grappling with one of the young lieutenant’s limbs answered.

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller