ENGLISH
REFERENCE

wrestled

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈɹɛsəɫd// UK //ɹˈɛsəld// wres·tled

v. to struggle physically with someone or to work very hard to solve a difficult problem.

v. to engage in a physical struggle with an opponent or to contend with a difficult decision or problem. Often used metaphorically to describe internal conflict or intellectual effort.


SIMPLE

She wrestled with the heavy suitcase until it finally closed.

CONTEXTUAL

The committee wrestled with the budget cuts for hours before reaching a final decision.

COMPLEX

Throughout his later years, the philosopher wrestled with the inherent contradictions of his earlier theories, attempting to reconcile them with his new observations.

Synonyms
Usage

Often takes the preposition 'with' when describing a struggle against a person, object, or idea.

Pitfall

he wrestled to the problemhe wrestled with the problemWhen describing a struggle against a difficulty, the verb requires the preposition 'with'.

© 2026 English Reference