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.

Fuel is one of airlines’ biggest expenses, and all airlines are grappling with the sharp increase in their costs.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

They are all grieving the person they once thought they would be and grappling with the gulf between that and who they have become in order to provide for their children.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 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

So all of that together, it was quite a shock because my brain is grappling with how am I going to repair my face?

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

She hadn’t told Klaus about her plan, because she didn’t want to give him false hope, so without waking him, she gathered up her grappling hook and tiptoed out of the room.

From "The Bad Beginning" by Lemony Snicket