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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of grapple
Alex Ledsom, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
Dope Thief’s Ray, for instance, grapples with a complicated relationship with his father, who was absent for much of his life.
—Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 22 Apr. 2025
Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 21 May 2025
Outside of pipeline issues, Novo Nordisk and the rest of the pharmaceutical industry are grappling with the Trump administration’s ambitions to lower drug prices and bring manufacturing to the U.S.
—Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for grapple
Noun
So, as the U.S. travel industry grapples with political and economic challenges, the landscape is shifting dramatically.
—Alex Ledsom, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
Dope Thief’s Ray, for instance, grapples with a complicated relationship with his father, who was absent for much of his life.
—Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 22 Apr. 2025
Verb
But the raid appears to be part of a pattern of farm attacks that has persisted for years in South Africa, a country grappling with one of the world’s highest murder rates.
—Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 21 May 2025
Outside of pipeline issues, Novo Nordisk and the rest of the pharmaceutical industry are grappling with the Trump administration’s ambitions to lower drug prices and bring manufacturing to the U.S.
—Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for grapple
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grapple
Noun
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The long, ergonomic handle is designed for adult hands, ensuring a comfortable grip during feeding sessions.—
Toby Rose,
Parents,
22 May 2025
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New rules could shake up realtors' grip on commission structure Agreements like Xiao's could become more common as the new rules usher in a few big changes nationwide.—
Laurel Wamsley,
NPR,
21 May 2025
Noun
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Barry Keoghan is sharing something deeply personal about his struggle with sobriety.—
Taijuan Moorman,
USA Today,
24 May 2025
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But that progress on paper does not mean the struggle is over.—
Danaya Wilson,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2025
Verb
-
The guards wrestle him to the ground and In-ho watches.—
Selome Hailu,
Variety,
31 May 2025
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As in Denver, cities across the country are wrestling with how to restore the pre-pandemic hustle and bustle to recharge what has historically been a crucial economic engine.—
Judith Kohler,
Denver Post,
31 May 2025
Verb
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In the morning, the restaurant doubles as a coffee shop where guests can grab drip coffee, fresh juices, and a small selection of hot and cold breakfast options, including the beloved Hawaiian classic, Loco Moco.—
Jalyn Robinson,
Travel + Leisure,
25 May 2025
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The colorful bar framed in bright neon lights is on the main concourse, so people walking by can grab a drink and head to the casino or other favorite activity, Allen said.—
Pamela McLoughlin,
Hartford Courant,
24 May 2025
Noun
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With firmer dates in hand, Hyland and others will have a better grasp on whether studying colonial khipus can help crack Inca ones.—
Sam Kean,
The Atlantic,
26 May 2025
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The title was within its grasp but there was no room to slip up – only a win would guarantee the club the Scudetto.—
Issy Ronald,
CNN Money,
24 May 2025
Noun
-
Fires and recovery Crews battle fire burning in Pala, evacuations underway in northern San Diego County.—
Andrew J. Campa,
Los Angeles Times,
1 June 2025
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Recently, a German court quietly ended a landmark legal battle that had spanned nearly a decade.—
Monica Sanders,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2025
Verb
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Its structure brings to mind Mario Kart World: There are wider, more open zones to explore in between races of intense cycling action where catching a slipstream is key to securing a win.—
Lewis Gordon,
Vulture,
23 May 2025
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Secure loose outdoor items and adjust plans as necessary so you're not caught outside.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
23 May 2025
Noun
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After South Dakota State’s FCS playoff run ended in the semifinals, Gronowski considered entering the NFL Draft and was invited to the East-West Shrine Bowl, but his injury was severe enough to require surgery and put his NFL plans on hold.—
Scott Dochterman,
New York Times,
29 May 2025
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In recent months, President Donald Trump has disclosed the implementation of reciprocal tariffs, and then walked back on the higher duties by putting them on hold for an average of 90 days.—
Vicki M. Young,
Footwear News,
28 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Grapple.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grapple. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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