Synonyms for

Wrestle

Verb / ˈresʌl / Another word for wrestle — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to struggle with someone or something in an attempt to get free or to overpower the opponent

Synonyms & similar words

squirm worm wrestling wriggle grapple writhe twist grappling handtohandstruggle grapple scuffle struggle fight combat battle tussle clash wrangle jostle scramble contend compete confront duel roughhouse brawl spar box

Synonyms by register

Formal

contend struggle grapple vie

Informal

scuffle tussle mix it up

Literary

contend with wage war against

Antonyms

yield submit cede surrender acquiesce relinquish

Common collocations

  • wrestle with a problem
  • wrestle for control
  • wrestle to the ground
  • wrestle with conscience
  • wrestle with doubt
  • wrestle with the implications
  • wrestle with the idea

Word family

noun wrestler
verb wrestle
adjective wrestling

Usage note

While 'wrestle' can refer to the sport, it is more commonly used figuratively to describe a difficult struggle or effort to understand or deal with something. Be mindful of the context to avoid ambiguity.

Example sentences

  1. The two wrestlers were evenly matched.
  2. I love to wrestle with my dog.
  3. The siblings would always wrestle when they were bored.
  4. The wrestlers were sweating profusely after their match.
  5. I can't wait to wrestle in the championship match next week.

Quotes

  • Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts. - Winston Churchill
  • The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. - Nelson Mandela
  • If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. - African Proverb

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