Definitions

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.

More than 18 months on, the dad-of-two is still grappling to understand the life he says he lived while unconscious, including his wife having twins and moving to a large lakeside house.

From BBC • May 15, 2026

The Bolivian government struck a deal with protesting miners on Friday, but was still grappling with blockades and demonstrations by other workers across La Paz.

From Barron's • May 15, 2026

Eight years into the sports-betting craze, the industry is still grappling with the simple idea of what a “sports wager” actually is.

From MarketWatch • May 15, 2026

Companies are grappling with “AI agent sprawl” as widespread AI agent adoption creates management, cybersecurity, and cost issues.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026

It was midafternoon, and the Prince had been grappling with the giant beast since morning, and finally, after all these hours, the hairy thing was weakening.

From "The Princess Bride" by William Goldman