as in clash
a physical dispute between opposing individuals or groups
a small tussle on the basketball court was quickly broken up
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to wrestle
to seize and attempt to unbalance one another for the purpose of achieving physical mastery
puppies tussling with one another, rolling over and over on the carpet
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of tussle
Arthur Staple, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025
Denholm's arrival at Tesla in 2018 was seen as a potential stabilizing moment after Musk's tumultuous tussle with U.S. securities regulators.
—Nathan Bomey, Axios, 25 Mar. 2025
Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 20 Feb. 2025
Bell quickly protested, jumping from her seat to redirect the conversation, as Danson and Harper continued with the steamy moment, seemingly tussling in the background as Bell covered from the camera view what exactly was going on.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 23 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tussle
Noun
The headline off Tuesday will be his tussle with Sens captain Brady Tkachuk, who stirred things up with a bump on Shesterkin midway through the third.
—Arthur Staple, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025
Denholm's arrival at Tesla in 2018 was seen as a potential stabilizing moment after Musk's tumultuous tussle with U.S. securities regulators.
—Nathan Bomey, Axios, 25 Mar. 2025
Verb
According to Deadline, Johnson, DiCaprio and Emily Blunt are in discussions for the project based on a real-life crime boss who tussled with mainland companies and rival gangs to exert control over the Hawaiian islands.
—Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 20 Feb. 2025
Bell quickly protested, jumping from her seat to redirect the conversation, as Danson and Harper continued with the steamy moment, seemingly tussling in the background as Bell covered from the camera view what exactly was going on.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 23 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tussle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tussle
Noun
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This square can spark clashes between the need for stability (Taurus) and the desire for bold self-expression (Leo).—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
19 Apr. 2025
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With nearly 8 million Venezuelans displaced—the second-largest migration globally and the largest ever within South America—the film captures rising tensions, cultural clashes, and radicalization in Chile’s border communities.—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
17 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Sophomore safety Jelani McLaughlin intercepted a pass by Emanuel, wrestling the ball away from wide receiver Parker Threatt.—
Kirk Kenney,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Apr. 2025
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Because sports played a big role in developing his self-confidence, Mr. Newsom wrestled with the idea that some girls could lose opportunities to transgender athletes with a physiological advantage, Mr. Elliott said.—
Laurel Rosenhall,
New York Times,
12 Apr. 2025
Noun
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However the trade saga develops from here, the first skirmishes in a trade war, a dreaded relic of the Great Depression, have begun in the 21st century.—
Jeff Sommer,
New York Times,
11 Apr. 2025
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After all, listening is a great tool for influencing people, navigating conflict, and soothing relationship skirmishes.—
Aditi Shrikant,
CNBC,
23 Mar. 2025
Verb
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As the war lurched into its fourth year, Russian losses of tanks, fighting vehicles and other heavy equipment had exceeded 20,000, according to the analysts at the Oryx intelligence collective, which confirms each loss with imagery from the front line.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Apr. 2025
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The court fight over Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia is a most unusual one in that no one denies that the government violated the law in deporting him.—
The Editors,
National Review,
14 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Rather, Awuah-Darko wants his story to reach people, whether through Instagram or this article, who feel alone in their battles, even if that comes with backlash.—
Alyssa Goldberg,
USA Today,
14 Apr. 2025
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Orlando, dies after long battle with cancer Patrick Kahn, founder of Snap! Orlando, dies after long battle with cancer Defending elections integrity cost Alan Hays some friendships.—
Richard Tribou,
The Orlando Sentinel,
13 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Keith and Mark Newhouse of Newhouse Creative Group understand these struggles firsthand.—
Chris Gallagher,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2025
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Young’s struggles against the Heat continued early in Friday’s contest, scoring 14 points while shooting just 3 of 14 from the field and 1 of 5 on threes through the first three quarters.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
19 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tussle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tussle. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
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