TUSSLE Synonyms: 77 Similar and Opposite Words

tussle 1 of 2

noun

ˈtə-səl

Definition of tussle

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

truce

tussle

2 of 2

verb

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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of tussle

Noun

That movie’s absurdities didn’t occur onscreen but in the subsequent legal tussles between its star, Blake Lively, and its director and co-star, Justin Baldoni. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2026 At the opening of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Arts on September 19, the Paramount legal tussle was the talk of the shindig. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 20 Sep. 2026

Verb

After Lewandowski tussled with Inter Miami defender Ian Fray, De Paul approached Lewandowski aggressively and proceeded to recite the latest accomplishments on his résumé. — Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026 But for those who find (and in some cases may be slightly mystified as to why) that there is a nagging, needling value to Schrader’s ongoing project of tussling with grandiose dilemmas of transgression and deliverance, there is some new news here. — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tussle

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tussle

Noun

But any Republican looking for the nomination to succeed Trump will have to sidestep the same sort of internal clashes over Israel that have bedeviled Democrats.

— Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 26 Oct. 2026
In Spain, the unrest was largely concentrated in Barcelona, unlike France, where protests and clashes spread across multiple cities.

— Amanda Macias, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of clash

Verb

The novel forces readers to wrestle with the uncomfortable fact that Chrissie would rather have two dead children than one who isn’t part of the dominant class.

— Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 22 Oct. 2026
Authorities said another teacher threw her phone at the attacker and then tackled him and wrestled with him for control of the weapon, likely saving lives before the shooter was shot by a father who followed him into the building.

— Gene Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of wrestle

Noun

Interior Secretary Harold Ickes ended the skirmish by imposing a truce and persuading Congress to designate the dam as a federal project.

— Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
And then late in the second half, Miami was called for two 15-yard penalties following a punt with Bobby Pruitt called for a facemask and Keona Davis a personal foul that occurred during a skirmish after the play.

— Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of skirmish

Verb

For now, Smith and her team are on the road as the Valkyries fight to take home the WNBA Championship Trophy.

— Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
My school years passed in a sliding door moment, and all there was to behold in that frame was a young man who had to physically fight to be allowed to be someone else—himself.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of fight

Noun

The leader, facing a tough re-election battle, has focused much of his campaign ahead of Tuesday’s vote on security.

— Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 24 Oct. 2026
By focusing on the battles fought in luxury department stores, fashion shows, high-end spas, nail salons, and the home, the film illustrated just how limited even privileged women’s options were.

— Raymond Ang, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of battle

Noun

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle noted that Indiana has now played two games that have resulted in multiple scuffles.

— ABC News, ABC News, 23 Oct. 2026
Video taken from inside a vehicle captured some of the scuffle, including the attacker getting up, striking Batista in the head with the butt of a pistol and taking off as the victim lies motionless in the street.

— Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of scuffle

Noun

Jurors also heard about Garza’s previous run-ins with law enforcement — and his family’s struggles to get help from the county with his mental health.

— Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
The folk tradition, especially, connected her to international Black freedom movements that emphasized labor conditions as a key part of the struggle.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of struggle

Browse Nearby Words

tushes

tussle

tussled

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Tussle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tussle. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of tussle

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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