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
Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 14 May 2025
But skeptics haven’t disappeared As critics are quick to point out, Coinbase relies heavily on volatile crypto trading volumes and has only recently finished its tussle with the SEC.
—Catherine Baab, Quartz, 13 May 2025
Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 15 Apr. 2025
While all presidents tussle with the press, President Donald Trump has taken things to another level at the beginning of his second term.
—Haisten Willis, The Washington Examiner, 6 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tussle
Noun
Such metrics can belie the eye test, which highlights Torres’ discernible discomfort when against strikers who enjoy physical tussles — such as Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta — or those, such as Jamie Vardy, who run behind.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 14 May 2025
But skeptics haven’t disappeared As critics are quick to point out, Coinbase relies heavily on volatile crypto trading volumes and has only recently finished its tussle with the SEC.
—Catherine Baab, Quartz, 13 May 2025
Verb
Frank wound up there after trying to tussle with the Mayor’s anti-vigilante task force who don’t wear brown shirts, rather Punisher insignia shirts.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 15 Apr. 2025
While all presidents tussle with the press, President Donald Trump has taken things to another level at the beginning of his second term.
—Haisten Willis, The Washington Examiner, 6 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tussle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tussle
Noun
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This clash has had tangible repercussions: Tesla’s stock experienced a significant drop, erasing over $150 billion in market value, while Trump Media saw a decline of approximately $500 million.—
Brent Gleeson,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
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Boys lacrosse In a wild Div. 4 round of 16 clash, host Littleton received a goal from Zach Milner with five seconds remaining to list the Tigers to a thrilling 13-12 victory over host Lynnfield.—
Brian Roach,
Boston Herald,
6 June 2025
Verb
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As in Denver, cities across the country are wrestling with how to restore the pre-pandemic hustle and bustle to recharge what has historically been a crucial economic engine.—
Judith Kohler,
Denver Post,
31 May 2025
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The guards wrestle him to the ground and In-ho watches.—
Selome Hailu,
Variety,
31 May 2025
Noun
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Nuñez warned that more skirmishes could occur on Sunday as PSG will parade on the Champs-Élysées before celebrating the title with their fans at the Parc des Princes stadium.—
Reuters,
CNN Money,
1 June 2025
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Thailand and Cambodia have a long history of land disputes, though Thailand said after the short skirmish that the situation had been resolved.—
DAVID RISING,
Arkansas Online,
31 May 2025
Verb
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Holland has been one of the more active UFC competitors since losing that contest by decision, fighting at middleweight and welterweight.—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
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The video, shared by News Nation, shows adults standing in a hallway when several men and women begin fighting.—
Jennifer Rodriguez,
Kansas City Star,
1 June 2025
Noun
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Fires and recovery Crews battle fire burning in Pala, evacuations underway in northern San Diego County.—
Andrew J. Campa,
Los Angeles Times,
1 June 2025
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Recently, a German court quietly ended a landmark legal battle that had spanned nearly a decade.—
Monica Sanders,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2025
Noun
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Spade's death on June 5, 2018, stunned the fashion world, highlighting the silent struggles behind one of the industry's biggest names and, along with the death of Anthony Bourdain three days later, sparked a broader conversation about mental health amidst fame and success.—
Taijuan Moorman,
USA Today,
5 June 2025
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Goldberg emphasized the struggle to balance his warrior mentality with his body's current limitations, especially during Muay Thai training.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tussle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tussle. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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