as in clash
a physical dispute between opposing individuals or groups
a small tussle on the basketball court was quickly broken up
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to wrestle
to seize and attempt to unbalance one another for the purpose of achieving physical mastery
puppies tussling with one another, rolling over and over on the carpet
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of tussle
Karen Gilchrist,holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 12 Dec. 2024
Eyes are on boxer Claressa Shields thanks to a big screen biopic and an internet tussle with a rap star.
—Cheryl V. Jackson, The Indianapolis Star, 12 Dec. 2024
Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 5 Jan. 2025
That night, Ahn Gwi-ryeong, a spokesperson for the Democratic Party, tussled with a special-forces soldier outside the National Assembly.
—E. Tammy Kim, The New Yorker, 15 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for tussle 
Noun
The Swiss National Bank also cut rates by 50 basis points earlier in the session Thursday, exceeding expectations of a smaller trim amid an ongoing tussle with depressed inflation and a strong Swiss franc.
—Karen Gilchrist,holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 12 Dec. 2024
Eyes are on boxer Claressa Shields thanks to a big screen biopic and an internet tussle with a rap star.
—Cheryl V. Jackson, The Indianapolis Star, 12 Dec. 2024
Verb
Jennings was ejected in the second quarter after tussling in the end zone with Cardinals’ cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting, who also was disqualified for his actions.
—Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 5 Jan. 2025
That night, Ahn Gwi-ryeong, a spokesperson for the Democratic Party, tussled with a special-forces soldier outside the National Assembly.
—E. Tammy Kim, The New Yorker, 15 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for tussle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tussle
Noun
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At stake in the clash with rival Buffalo Bills is a trip to the Super Bowl and a bid for a historic Super Bowl three-peat for the Chiefs.—
Robert A. Cronkleton,
Kansas City Star,
26 Jan. 2025
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Meanwhile, the Bruins are flying high after a 2-0 shutout win over the Ottawa Senators on Thursday, and with a strong defensive showing and reliable goaltending, Boston will look to carry that momentum into Saturday's clash.—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
25 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Right-wing Trump fans like podcast host Joe Rogan and wrestling titan Dana White also enjoyed prime spots.—
Dave Goldiner,
New York Daily News,
20 Jan. 2025
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For decades, American women’s basketball players have wrestled with career decisions every winter: Stay home to recuperate, work on marketing deals and spend time with family or spend winters abroad in Russia, China, Turkey, Italy, Israel and Spain.—
Ben Pickman,
The Athletic,
17 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Navigating the map from an overworld view, akin to looking at a tabletop game from above, leads to quicker, bite-sized skirmishes, optional short objectives, and requests from characters that build up your bonds.—
Diego Argüello,
Rolling Stone,
13 Jan. 2025
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There’s usually not even time for trash talk between opponents; that has to wait for the inevitable post-whistle skirmish.—
Mark Lazerus,
The Athletic,
9 Jan. 2025
Verb
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In 2169, Andrea fights to break down the wall that surrounds Porto 01.—
Rafa Sales Ross,
Variety,
21 Jan. 2025
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After initially joining the Sky on a training camp contract, Carter fought her way into the starting lineup last season.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Rose served in the band from its inception in 1977 to 2017, after Willis regained 50 percent of the copyright to the band in a protracted legal battle.—
Ryan Coleman,
EW.com,
20 Jan. 2025
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In a YouTube video released in October, Jake Paul announced his endorsement for Trump for the 2024 election and drew a bold comparison between the president-elect's legal battles and the historic struggles of America's Founding Fathers.—
Justin Gest,
Newsweek,
20 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The film doesn’t paint him as a cautionary tale, treat him like a metaphor, or revel in the spectacle of his struggles.—
Vikram Murthi,
IndieWire,
24 Jan. 2025
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Sly Stone's struggles with cocaine have been well documented, even, at times, eclipsing his achievements as an artist.—
Maureen Lee Lenker,
EW.com,
24 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near tussle
Cite this Entry
“Tussle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tussle. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.
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