tussle
verb (used without object)
to struggle or fight roughly or vigorously; wrestle; scuffle.
are tussling
-
present progressiveof tussle.present progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or state that is currently taking place in the immediate present.
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.
Defenders are grappling with attackers, and attackers are tussling with defenders.
From BBC ● Mar. 2, 2026
County, are tussling with Brink’s over the value of the stolen wares.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 18, 2022
Uruguay, Peru and Chile are tussling to finish fourth to take the last direct qualification spot, or fifth to go into an intercontinental playoff in June against the fifth-place team in Asian qualifying.
From Seattle Times ● Mar. 22, 2022
In the Northeast Division, the Montreal Canadiens and the Boston Bruins are tussling for first place, which would probably earn the winner the second seed in the Eastern Conference, behind Pittsburgh.
From New York Times ● Apr. 20, 2013
As before, the magistrates are tussling over tiresome issues of jurisdiction; and Horton has no real powers to interrogate suspects.
From The Guardian ● Mar. 15, 2013
