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
Relevance
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of grapple
Jeff Benjamin, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2024
The move aims to broaden the pool of eligible men as Ukraine grapples with manpower shortages in its nearly three-year conflict with Russia.
—Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2024
Edward Segarra, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2025
While some cities and states are grappling with how to stay transparent, public record laws aren’t evolving as quickly as technology, said Smarsh general manager Lanika Mamac.
—TIME, 20 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for grapple
Noun
Uncertain but Unified Future for Korea’s Year-End Celebrations As the country and entertainment industry grapples with the tragedy, the status of major year-end events remains uncertain.
—Jeff Benjamin, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2024
The move aims to broaden the pool of eligible men as Ukraine grapples with manpower shortages in its nearly three-year conflict with Russia.
—Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2024
Verb
The documentary's closing scenes see Anitta grapple with the reevaluation of her happiness after the pop star conquered her dreams of material success.
—Edward Segarra, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2025
While some cities and states are grappling with how to stay transparent, public record laws aren’t evolving as quickly as technology, said Smarsh general manager Lanika Mamac.
—TIME, 20 Mar. 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.—
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
-
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
-
Retail Media’s Measurement Challenges The retail media industry has wrestled with measurement standardization since its inception, with brands often frustrated by inconsistent approaches across different retailers.—
Kiri Masters,
Forbes,
21 Mar. 2025
-
Over his nearly 32-year career, Homicide wrestled for nearly every major promotion, with the notable exception of WWE.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
20 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
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
-
To help balance his budget, the governor wants to grab roughly $300 million from the $10 billion climate bond approved overwhelmingly by voters in November.—
George Skelton,
The Mercury News,
13 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
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
-
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
-
The 65-year-old Augustinian friar and his three fellow monks, who have dedicated their lives to silent prayer inside Florence’s Santo Spirito monastery, are preparing to go into battle over plans to open a luxury retirement home on the site.—
Barbie Latza Nadeau,
CNN,
21 Mar. 2025
-
What else is going on Point Reyes’ historic dairies have been ousted after a legal battle.—
Ryan Fonseca,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
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
-
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
-
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 25 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share