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.

“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

And Venezuelans are still grappling with the legacy of the crime wave—as well as the state’s heavy-handed response.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026

In the last year or so, well-established retailers that were already grappling with intense competition from online retailers have been hit as their customers cut back on discretionary spending amid inflation, tariffs and global conflict.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 2026

Joe Mondragon was in there, grappling with a lovely girl named Nancy Quintana.

From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols