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
Brittney Melton, NPR, 31 Jan. 2025
But even as the old guard grapples with how to engage with a second Trump presidency, a new intraparty battle is emerging in Ohio, a state once known for its swingy politics but which has become reliably Republican since Trump emerged as the GOP’s leader.
—Jeremiah Poff, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 10 Dec. 2024
Ted Johnson, Deadline, 7 Mar. 2025
Walmart's push shows how rising geopolitical tensions are set to reshape global supply chains and pile pressure on U.S. consumers already grappling with cost-of-living stresses.
—arkansasonline.com, 7 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for grapple
Noun
The sci-fi game grapples with trauma and communities in crisis.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 31 Jan. 2025
But even as the old guard grapples with how to engage with a second Trump presidency, a new intraparty battle is emerging in Ohio, a state once known for its swingy politics but which has become reliably Republican since Trump emerged as the GOP’s leader.
—Jeremiah Poff, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 10 Dec. 2024
Verb
One project, Jonathan Spector’s Eureka Day, centers on a private school grappling with an outbreak of the mumps, as parents and administrators weigh what to do amid the anti-vaccination movement.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 7 Mar. 2025
Walmart's push shows how rising geopolitical tensions are set to reshape global supply chains and pile pressure on U.S. consumers already grappling with cost-of-living stresses.
—arkansasonline.com, 7 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for grapple
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grapple
Noun
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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.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacramento Bee,
11 Mar. 2025
-
The naked trend has an extra tight grip on Hollywood.—
Robyn Merrett,
StyleCaster,
7 Mar. 2025
Noun
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For all of their defensive struggles — particularly in defensive counter-attacking moments — this season, City’s dedication to hoovering up loose balls is still strong when the chips are down.—
Mark Carey,
The Athletic,
13 Mar. 2025
-
This not only fosters appreciation for the cuisine but also sparks curiosity about the traditions, struggles and resilience of the people behind it.—
Liza B. Zimmerman,
Forbes,
13 Mar. 2025
Verb
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But federal courts are wrestling with the fallout, blocking some of the actions at least temporarily.—
Joey Garrison,
USA TODAY,
9 Mar. 2025
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Many capable, accomplished women live in the ‘not enough’ trap, wrestling daily with a nagging sense of inadequacy.—
Margie Warrell,
Forbes,
8 Mar. 2025
Verb
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He’s minimized the walks, partly due to his willingness to use his curveball early in counts for strikes to get ahead and grab count leverage.—
Fabian Ardaya,
The Athletic,
14 Mar. 2025
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Oh my God, so amazing to grab that artist for Charlotte. ...—
Théoden Janes,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Mar. 2025
Noun
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That, as the 25-year-old acknowledged, was partly due to McLaren let a number of races slip through its grasp from winning positions.—
Dan Cancian,
Forbes,
17 Mar. 2025
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Coach Nuno Espirito Santo’s men’s side are through to the FA Cup quarter-finals later this month and have Champions League qualification for next season within their grasp.—
Megan Feringa,
The Athletic,
16 Mar. 2025
Noun
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After routing 5-seed Villanova 82-54 in the semifinals on Sunday, the Huskies advance to face No. 23 Creighton for a battle between the top two seeds in the conference title game.—
Emily Adams,
Hartford Courant,
9 Mar. 2025
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Just last month at the NFL Scouting Combine, GM Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales stressed the importance of battle in the trenches.—
Mike Kaye,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Mar. 2025
Verb
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How To Solve Today’s Wordle The Hint: Pursue in order to catch.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes,
13 Mar. 2025
-
Gordon did score Newcastle’s second goal that night, when Quansah’s lack of familiarity with the role caught him out.—
Andy Jones,
The Athletic,
13 Mar. 2025
Noun
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And although the tariffs are on hold, some builders have begun raising their prices in anticipation that Trump will ultimately drop the hammer.—
LEW SICHELMAN,
Miami Herald,
18 Mar. 2025
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But on Monday, a three-judge panel for the U.S. Appeals for the 9th Circuit declined to put one of the orders, from a federal district judge in California, on hold while proceedings move forward.—
Melissa Quinn,
CBS News,
18 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Grapple.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grapple. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.
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