tackle
9 synonyms for tackle, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To confront and deal with a difficult problem or task head-on.
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.
grapple with
take on
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To confront and deal with a difficult problem or task head-on.
“We must tackle the leak in the roof before winter arrives.”
How to use tackle
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
tackle a problem
fishing tackle
a rugby tackle
tackle an issue head-on
Etymology
From Middle English takel, "gear" or "apparatus," related to a Middle Dutch word for ship's rigging.
Full origin of tackle →Frequently asked questions
What does “tackle” mean?
The word “tackle” means to confront and deal with a difficult problem or task head-on. In plain terms, to take on a problem directly, to physically stop an opponent in sport, or the equipment used for a task like fishing.
How do you pronounce “tackle”?
“Tackle” is pronounced TA-kuhl (/ˈtækəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “tackle” in a sentence?
Here is “tackle” used in a sentence: “The council finally decided to tackle the housing shortage.”
What part of speech is “tackle”?
Depending on how it is used, “tackle” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “tackle” come from?
The word “tackle” comes from Middle English. From Middle English takel, "gear" or "apparatus," related to a Middle Dutch word for ship's rigging.
Is “tackle” a common word?
“Tackle” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “tackle” have?
“Tackle” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to confront and deal with a difficult problem or task head-on.
What is the difference between "tackle" and "address" a problem?
Both mean to deal with a problem, but "tackle" suggests energetic, hands-on effort to confront something difficult head-on. "Address" is more neutral and formal, meaning simply to turn attention to an issue. You might "tackle" a backlog with determination but "address" a concern in a meeting.
When should you use "tackle" instead of "handle"?
Use "tackle" when you want to stress actively confronting a difficult task or problem that requires effort. "Handle" suggests managing or coping with something, sometimes routinely. "Tackle the debt" implies a deliberate push, while "handle the debt" implies keeping it under control.
