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.

Almost all the 22,000 other students are still grappling with how to pay back tens of thousands of pounds.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

The airline industry is grappling with rising costs, as a result of the Iran conflict.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

They seemed to be genuinely grappling with the administration’s arguments about why the long-accepted understanding of the 14th Amendment’s citizenship clause is wrong.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

The survey, conducted by San Diego State University researchers last fall, shows CSU grappling with how AI is affecting assignments, classroom instruction, competition for jobs and academic integrity.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

The following Tuesday, as he drove downtown to the bus station to pick up some game films of the team’s final opponent, the San Angelo Central Bobcats, he was still grappling with the loss.

From "Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team, And A Dream" by H.G. Bissinger