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.

European automakers have been grappling with intense competition and a struggling economy in China at the same time as U.S. tariffs have added costs across the industry.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

It soon came to provide crucial expertise and support to thousands of local election officials grappling with increasingly sophisticated attacks.

From Salon • Apr. 14, 2026

New Brunswick Mayor James Cahill told AFP that while data centers have become critical to modern economies, "communities across the country are grappling with how to integrate them locally."

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

We’re ostensibly meeting to discuss the new film, directed by Steven Soderbergh, about a painter grappling with his legacy.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

They used a doubled segment of rope and the grappling hook to cross to the roof of the drüskelle sector.

From "Six of Crows" by Leigh Bardugo