tussling
Grappling in conflict
Tussling is engaging in a rough physical struggle or scuffle, typically without serious intent to harm.
Children tussle on the playground; siblings tussle over the remote.
The word extends to any vigorous contest: The two candidates have been tussling over the same voters for months.
A tussle is usually brief and scrappy rather than a full-blown fight.
Combat sport requiring holds
- grapplingClose-quarters combat technique
- scufflingFighting in disorderly fashion
- strugglingExperiencing serious difficulty
- fightingEngaging in physical conflict
brawling · scrapping · tangling · clinching · roughhousing · sparring · shoving · grabbing
Rowdy physical play
- horsing aroundEngaging in boisterous play
- rompingPlaying with energetic movement
- tumblingAcrobatic rolling and flipping
- frolickingLighthearted energetic movement
goofing off · puppies · siblings · tickling · chasing · pouncing · mock battle · friendly
Combat sport requiring holds
- strugglingExperiencing serious difficulty
- grapplingClose-quarters combat technique
- conflictedEmotionally at odds
- tornPulled into pieces
battling · wavering · deliberating · agonizing · second-guessing · soul-searching · inner turmoil · weighing
Striving in rivalry
- vyingCompeting eagerly for something
- battlingEngaged in conflict
- competingContending for victory
- rivalryOngoing contest between opponents
struggling · jockeying · clashing · sparring · dueling · challenging · opposing · confronting
Verbal conflict between parties
- bickeringPetty verbal sparring
- quarrelingArguing angrily with another
- disputingArguing over validity
- squabblingArguing over trivialities
wrangling · debating · disagreeing · clashing · sparring · feuding · haggling · negotiating
wrestling
Combat sport requiring holds
- grapplingClose-quarters combat technique
- scufflingFighting in disorderly fashion
- strugglingExperiencing serious difficulty
fighting · brawling · scrapping · tangling · clinching · roughhousing · sparring · shoving · grabbing · pinning
roughhousing
Rowdy physical play
- horsing aroundEngaging in boisterous play
- rompingPlaying with energetic movement
- tumblingAcrobatic rolling and flipping
frolicking · goofing off · puppies · siblings · tickling · chasing · pouncing · mock battle · friendly · harmless
wrestling
Combat sport requiring holds
- strugglingExperiencing serious difficulty
- grapplingClose-quarters combat technique
- conflictedEmotionally at odds
torn · battling · wavering · deliberating · agonizing · second-guessing · soul-searching · inner turmoil · weighing · contemplating
contending
Striving in rivalry
rivalry · struggling · jockeying · clashing · sparring · dueling · challenging · opposing · confronting · matchup
arguing
Verbal conflict between parties
- bickeringPetty verbal sparring
- quarrelingArguing angrily with another
- disputingArguing over validity
squabbling · wrangling · debating · disagreeing · clashing · sparring · feuding · haggling · negotiating · confronting
- conflictclash, fight, war, battle, dispute
- roughhousingroughhouse, roughhousing, rough play, rough and tumble, horseplay
tusslingcooperating
Working jointly toward goals
resting · collaborating · embracing · hugging · caressing
tusslingagreeing
Sharing the same view
yielding · harmonizing · reconciling · making peace · acquiescing