grapple
verb (used without object)
to hold or make fast to something, as with a grapple.
grappled
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past participleof grapple.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof grapple.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
grappleverb (used without object)to hold or make fast to something, as with a grapple.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The revelation came as the country grappled with whistleblower Edward Snowden’s leaks exposing the vast reach of the agency’s surveillance.
From Salon ● Aug. 17, 2026
Again Machado Garry survived until the end of the round and although he found some success with a number of kicks midway through the fight, Makhachev continued to assert control when the pair grappled.
From BBC ● Aug. 16, 2026
In their grief, Schreiber’s family has turned to the questions Jake grappled with his whole life.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 24, 2026
The shift came as the world's biggest economy grappled with fallout from war in the Middle East, while imports of tech goods linked to the country's data center buildout remained strong.
From Barron's ● Jul. 7, 2026
Shrieking, the rider dropped his sword and grappled the air.
From "The Book of Three" by Lloyd Alexander
