grapple
verb (used without object)
to hold or make fast to something, as with a grapple.
had been grappling
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past perfect progressiveof grapple.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
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.
Murray still remembers how difficult it was to be trapped, and now realises he had been grappling with internalised homophobia.
From BBC ● Feb. 6, 2026
In the first two seasons, Usagi had been grappling with the death of her mountain climber father, and actress Tao Tsuchiya feels that underlying pain could be a point of a connection.
From Salon ● Sep. 23, 2025
While filming, Aduba had been grappling with her mother’s pancreatic cancer diagnosis.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 19, 2025
Hotel operators, who had been grappling over the past year with an uneven recovery in Chinese demand, are now benefiting from pent-up demand in Greater China.
From Reuters ● May 5, 2023
I squirmed, wanting to show I had been grappling deeply with such questions.
From "Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom
