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.

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

Strategy Inc., the largest corporate holder of Bitcoin, may be grappling with the same question.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

“Markest are grappling with the fact that they expected this to be over on short order.”

From MarketWatch • Mar. 27, 2026

The pines threw their roots around the shore’s boulders, grappling with the living rocks and wrestling them into position.

From "Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy" by Gary D. Schmidt