tussle
verb (used without object)
to struggle or fight roughly or vigorously; wrestle; scuffle.
tussled
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past participleof tussle.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 tussle.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
tussleverb (used without object)to struggle or fight roughly or vigorously; wrestle; scuffle.
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.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has spent the past year trying to act as a bridge while Trump tussled with other European leaders over tariffs, Ukraine and Greenland.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 16, 2026
In 2025, the US president went as far as visiting the Fed's under-renovation headquarters, where he verbally tussled with Powell as the two toured the site.
From Barron's ● Mar. 30, 2026
She also tussled with Bass behind closed doors in late January, as revealed in text messages obtained by The Times that highlighted an increasingly fractious relationship.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 16, 2025
On Friday night, reports emerged that Elon Musk’s aides had tussled with Office of Personnel Management and Treasury staffers while demanding access to troves of information about federal employees.
From Slate ● Feb. 3, 2025
Hideo is leaning over a table, his head down in concentration, his dark hair tussled.
From "Warcross" by Marie Lu
