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Definition of tussle

tussle

/ˈtʌs.əl/
tus · sle
Plural:tussles
•
Past Simple:tussled
•
Past Participle:tussled
•
Present Participle:tussling
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tussle Lexical Profile

tussle Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A vigorous struggle, scuffle, or contest, typically in order to obtain or achieve something.

Example

"The two players got into a brief tussle over the loose ball near the sideline."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• verb

1

To engage in a vigorous struggle, scuffle, or rough contest.

Example

"The puppies tussled playfully on the living room rug for hours."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for tussle

• Rhymes for tussle

• Nearby Words

tusked
tuskfish
tuskless
tussle
tussock
tut
tutea

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the late 15th century, originally as a northern English and Scots variant of "tousle," derived from Middle English "tousen" (to pull or handle roughly) with the frequentative suffix "-le."

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Tussle. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/tussle
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