grapple
17 synonyms for grapple, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To struggle hard with a difficult problem or situation.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To struggle hard with a difficult problem or situation.
“The team is still grappling with how to fix the bug.”
How to use grapple
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
grapple with an issue
grapple with the problem
grappling hook
Etymology
From Old English/Middle English roots meaning "to seize" — the same family as "grab" and "grasp".
Full origin of grapple →Frequently asked questions
What does “grapple” mean?
The word “grapple” means to struggle hard with a difficult problem or situation. In plain terms, to wrestle with something, either physically or mentally, trying hard to get a hold of it or solve it.
How do you pronounce “grapple”?
“Grapple” is pronounced GRA-puhl (/ˈɡɹæpəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “grapple” in a sentence?
Here is “grapple” used in a sentence: “She grappled with the decision for weeks before finally choosing.”
What part of speech is “grapple”?
Depending on how it is used, “grapple” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “grapple” come from?
The word “grapple” comes from Old English. From Old English/Middle English roots meaning "to seize" — the same family as "grab" and "grasp".
How many meanings does “grapple” have?
“Grapple” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to struggle hard with a difficult problem or situation.
