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
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Recent Examples of grapple
Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2025
The major restructuring comes as the U.S. grapples with one of the worst measles outbreaks in more than two decades, and as bird flu spreads in wild birds worldwide and is causing outbreaks in poultry and U.S. dairy cows, with several recent human cases.
—Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 27 Mar. 2025
Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 31 July 2025
Given the impending shortfall, the county has been grappling with how to close the gap without relying on reserves.
—Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 31 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for grapple
Noun
As Texas grapples with the massive flooding that struck Hill Country and killed at least 119 people during the July Fourth weekend, many Illinois homeowners will soon see their home insurance rates skyrocket due to the increase in such extreme weather events.
—Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2025
The major restructuring comes as the U.S. grapples with one of the worst measles outbreaks in more than two decades, and as bird flu spreads in wild birds worldwide and is causing outbreaks in poultry and U.S. dairy cows, with several recent human cases.
—Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 27 Mar. 2025
Verb
Beneath the surface, both are grappling with personal wounds, career setbacks and lingering tensions between them.
—Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 31 July 2025
Given the impending shortfall, the county has been grappling with how to close the gap without relying on reserves.
—Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 31 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for grapple
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grapple
Noun
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The top three contributors to 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,
2 Aug. 2025
-
As more cars made their runs, the circuit rubbered in — increasing tire grip as more and more rubber went down and times tumbled as a result.—
Madeline Coleman,
New York Times,
2 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
More struggles result in prosperity Another fight would also call for Jones' leadership in action.—
Debra Utacia Krol,
AZCentral.com,
24 July 2025
-
As the citizens of the state struggle to seize power back from an autocratic government, the story centers on Jamil, a war zone courier/smuggler, and Zora, a young leader in the Mulholland Resistance, who attempt to escape Occupied Los Angeles, a city under martial law.—
Borys Kit,
HollywoodReporter,
23 July 2025
Verb
-
The National Wrestling Hall of Fame is home to the largest collection of wrestling memorabilia in the world and has interactive exhibits documenting the history of the sport.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
31 July 2025
-
Reports of Nick Hogan’s visit Monday had wrestling fans buzzing that a tribute to his dad would be part of the show.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
28 July 2025
Verb
-
Leave your troubles behind and grab a lime, because Thursday is National Tequila Day.—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
25 July 2025
-
Concerned, the roommates grabbed golf clubs from one of the first-floor bedrooms and checked the house for a possible intruder.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
24 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 conservative-majority court has already knocked out a significant part of the law, but the new legal fronts could reshape decades-long precedent of legal battles over political power.—
Kristina Karisch,
The Hill,
31 July 2025
-
The conservancy's location is where multiple lion pride territories converge, creating opportunities to witness territorial battles and hunting behavior.—
Jenn Rice,
Travel + Leisure,
31 July 2025
Verb
-
Chisholm was caught sleeping and doubled up at first on a ball that didn’t leave the infield.—
James Oconnell,
The Orlando Sentinel,
3 Aug. 2025
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Fans can catch Snow in the latest American drama television series, The Hunting Wives, based on the novel by May Cobb, that premiered in July 2025.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
People.com,
3 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
In his July 14 statement, Kaul said over $7.5 million for adult education grants had also been put on hold.—
Cleo Krejci,
jsonline.com,
28 July 2025
-
That being said, forgiveness under IBR plans is on hold right now while the Education Department updates its systems.—
Alison Durkee,
Forbes.com,
28 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Grapple.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grapple. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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