wrestle
verb (used without object)
to engage in wrestling.
had wrestled
-
past perfectof wrestle.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
Sue and her cousins had wrestled with how to handle the Rosenthal lineage before Taylor’s father, Willie.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 21, 2026
Sheriff Morag McLaughlin said she had "wrestled" with her decision, but she had no choice but to impose a custodial sentence on the first-time offender.
From BBC ● Jul. 11, 2025
Ana’s son was set to graduate from eighth grade on Tuesday, and amid the ongoing ICE sweeps, her family had wrestled with whether to attend the celebration at his Mid-Wilshire area school.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 15, 2025
I had wrestled with words and more words, so I might as well use them.
From Washington Post ● Mar. 23, 2023
Then Mrs. Reilly had wrestled the phone away from her son.
From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole
