grappling

1 of 2

noun

grap·​pling ˈgra-p(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce grappling (audio)
Synonyms of grapplingnext
1
: grapnel
2
: grappling hook

grappling

2 of 2

present participle of grapple entry 2

Examples of grappling in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
The Venezuela native, who competed for the South American country’s national team, arrived in Idaho as a teenager grappling with the loss of her favorite sport. — Idaho Statesman, 14 Oct. 2026 How is the Schaumburg Democrat grappling with that fateful outcome, while preparing to depart Congress after 10 tumultuous years, which included a pandemic, an insurrection and impeachment proceedings? — Marni Pyke, Chicago Tribune, 13 Oct. 2026 Baszler is an accomplished grappling champion who jumped into pro wrestling in the mid-2010s. — Ryan Gaydos Outkick, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2026 Even as the clash between tech titans and anxious activists intensifies, the debate about AI is increasingly permeating community events, with the young and old grappling with the changes AI is bringing to their cities and the world. — Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for grappling

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1582, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of grappling was in 1582

Phrases Containing grappling

Rhymes for grappling

See All Rhymes for grappling

Browse Nearby Words

grapple shot
grappling
grappling hook
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Grappling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grappling. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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