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.

Meanwhile, Americans are grappling with escalating costs for healthcare, gas, food and housing amid stubbornly high inflation.

From MarketWatch • May 26, 2026

There’s no missing the point, and clarity can be essential when grappling with something as slippery as grief.

From Salon • May 25, 2026

The White House, Congress, and local governments throughout the country are grappling with whether and how to regulate AI.

From Barron's • May 21, 2026

In March 2020, before the COVID-19 pandemic shut the world down, small businesses in San Francisco had been grappling with rising rents that increasingly led to empty storefronts.

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2026

Looking up, she saw grappling lines shoot from the Argo II and wrap around the statue.

From "The Mark of Athena" by Rick Riordan