1
as in wrestling
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
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2
as in grabbing
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
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of grappling
While Franz Schubert’s Prometheus might not directly reference the eruption, his compositions of 1816 exude the melancholy and introspection of a world grappling with uncertainty.
—
Scott Travers, Forbes, 28 Dec. 2024
The story reveals how the tribe’s quest to restore justice offers a model for other Indigenous communities grappling with dispossession and climate change.
—Umair Irfan, Vox, 28 Dec. 2024
The magazine itself centers on what’s possible at a time when artists are grappling with what AI means for them, their futures and creativity on the whole.
—Leslie Katz, Forbes, 28 Dec. 2024
As businesses continue to adapt to change and uncertainty, leaders are grappling with challenges that demand both resilience and adaptability.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for grappling 
Scott Travers, Forbes, 28 Dec. 2024
The story reveals how the tribe’s quest to restore justice offers a model for other Indigenous communities grappling with dispossession and climate change.
—Umair Irfan, Vox, 28 Dec. 2024
The magazine itself centers on what’s possible at a time when artists are grappling with what AI means for them, their futures and creativity on the whole.
—Leslie Katz, Forbes, 28 Dec. 2024
As businesses continue to adapt to change and uncertainty, leaders are grappling with challenges that demand both resilience and adaptability.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for grappling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grappling
Verb
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That’s an impressive feat given there was almost two hours without wrestling on a three-hour show.—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes,
8 Jan. 2025
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Tonight's broadcast promises an exciting lineup of special guests, including John Cena, who will officially retire from wrestling this year, along with Logan Paul, Cody Rhodes, and Roman Reigns.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes,
7 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Allen — who has steadily received more playing time as the season has progressed based on his defense but has also shown flashes offensively and has displayed solid free-throw shooting — played the best of the bunch, scoring nine points in 22 minutes of play and grabbing five rebounds.—
Grant Salsman,
Kansas City Star,
5 Jan. 2025
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The monkey, perched on a high ledge, has stolen the man's spectacles — by jumping on the man's shoulder and grabbing them.—
Omkar Khandekar,
NPR,
5 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Schar and Duran had stretched for a loose ball and the Newcastle centre-half had slid in to win it, with Duran first catching him on the buttock and then in the small of the back.—
George Caulkin,
The Athletic,
27 Dec. 2024
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From the Mid-Rise Showdown Trousers that are perfectly relaxed-fitting and comfortable to the eye-catching Faux Leather Power Hour Joggers that are stylish enough to dress up for dinner or an evening out while on vacation, there are options for every type of traveler — and budget.—
Amber Love Bond,
Travel + Leisure,
26 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Pretending to be dead, Gi-hun and his friends launch a surprise attack, overpowering the guards and seizing their weapons, leaving only one guard alive.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes,
28 Dec. 2024
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Individuals are seizing opportunities as well.—
Devorah Lauter,
ARTnews.com,
23 Dec. 2024
Verb
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The group uses an audio lure to entice the birds, capturing them in mist nets to bring back to the banding station.—
Kayla Randall,
Smithsonian Magazine,
3 Jan. 2025
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In the second half of 2024, in particular, the stock struggled to gain traction amid concerns that its data center AI chip was not capturing as much market share as hoped.—
Morgan Chittum,
CNBC,
3 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near grappling
Cite this Entry
“Grappling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grappling. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
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