1
as in grip
the act or manner of holding
was simply unable to break my opponent's viselike grapple and lost the wrestling match
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in struggle
an earnest effort for superiority or victory over another
after a grapple with his conscience, he confessed to having an affair
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to wrestle
to seize and attempt to unbalance one another for the purpose of achieving physical mastery
two sumo wrestlers grappling like a pair of mammoth bears
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to grab
to take physical control or possession of (something) suddenly or forcibly
a crane grappled the sunken boat and hoisted it above water
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of grapple
Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 24 June 2025
In the newest episode of Criminal Minds: Evolution, a grieving JJ (A.J. Cook) grapples with the funeral of her longtime husband Will (Josh Stewart), a staple since season 2 of the original CBS drama.
—Jessica Wang, EW.com, 22 May 2025
Rob Wile, NBC news, 3 July 2025
The bill’s current revisions are a relief to a sector already grappling with funding challenges, competition from China and tariff uncertainty.
—Jenni Reid, CNBC, 3 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for grapple
Noun
Besides falling numbers of volunteers, the Dunnigan Fire Protection District grapples with high turnover.
—Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 24 June 2025
In the newest episode of Criminal Minds: Evolution, a grieving JJ (A.J. Cook) grapples with the funeral of her longtime husband Will (Josh Stewart), a staple since season 2 of the original CBS drama.
—Jessica Wang, EW.com, 22 May 2025
Verb
Consumers and businesses are still grappling with the uncertainty caused by Trump’s tariff policies, which are contributing to volatile economic data.
—Rob Wile, NBC news, 3 July 2025
The bill’s current revisions are a relief to a sector already grappling with funding challenges, competition from China and tariff uncertainty.
—Jenni Reid, CNBC, 3 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for grapple
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grapple
Noun
-
The three main causes of hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
9 July 2025
-
Amazon $100 Dick's Sporting Goods Great for upgrading from beginner pickleball paddles, the SLK Evo Power XL 2.0 features a fiberglass face, balanced weight, and comfy grip—now half off for Prime Day.—
Parker Hall,
Wired News,
9 July 2025
Noun
-
Franklin might be the most recent honoree (beating out Curt Cignetti), but the Penn State coach’s struggles with self-editing are not specific to his dealings with Notre Dame.—
Pete Sampson,
New York Times,
11 July 2025
-
Rivera fired his Taser at Feliz, then got into the car on the passenger’s side and threatened to shoot Rivera as a physical struggle ensued, according to body camera footage, as another officer attempted to yank Feliz out of the vehicle.—
Roni Jacobson,
New York Daily News,
11 July 2025
Verb
-
The city, county and state all recently wrestled with deficits and the federal government has been both slashing its workforce and attempting to reduce the size of health care programs like Medicaid.—
Blake Nelson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 July 2025
-
In a recent interview, the WWE Hall of Famer opened up about his motivations for continuing to wrestle and his thoughts on retirement.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 July 2025
Verb
-
Order fish tacos or fresh salads at Bad Boy Burrito; grab at coffee at Cafe Moka; shop for clothing and gifts at Miss Monroe Boutique; and browse the open-air stalls at boo kee sue Botanics for handmade textiles, ceramics, and more.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
12 July 2025
-
To find your nearest 7-Eleven and grab a free Slurpee, search the store locator on 7-Eleven's website.—
Jenna Prestininzi,
Freep.com,
11 July 2025
Noun
-
As the communist leader Robert Mugabe is elected, his declarations empower Africans to take up residence on the farmland, and her imperialist grasp slips, the beginning of the end for this family here.—
Katie Walsh,
Twin Cities,
12 July 2025
-
The country greatly appreciated Jóhannesson’s grasp of the context and his insightful and entertaining commentary.—
Karl Moore,
Forbes.com,
9 July 2025
Noun
-
The battle will continue as Trump has blasted the mainstream media for years and signed an executive order to cut federal funding for National Public Radio and PBS, said U.S. Rep. John B. Larson of East Hartford.—
Christopher Keating,
Hartford Courant,
7 July 2025
-
Potter faces a battle to restore optimism among the fanbase.—
Roshane Thomas,
New York Times,
7 July 2025
Verb
-
In our extremely online era, anyone caught in an internet backlash should understand that the best response is to say nothing at all—drama will pass once the subject ceases making more content.—
Dani Di Placido,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
-
If a rushing river is more your style, there are quite a few great spots in the state to catch some trout or bass or other varieties of fish.—
Kaitlyn Keegan,
Hartford Courant,
10 July 2025
Noun
-
The bitcoin price is up around 60% from its April lows, helped by U.S. president Donald Trump’s support of bitcoin and crypto even as the Federal Reserve keeps interest rates on hold.—
Billy Bambrough,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
-
If more than 50% file protests, the issue is put on hold for a year.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
14 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Grapple.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grapple. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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