How many letters does the top answer for “the act of engaging in close hand-to-hand combat” have?

The most common answer is grapple (7 letters).

Crossword clue: the act of engaging in close hand-to-hand combat

3 answers found in Letterora's clue database (Wikidata facts, Open Trivia DB, WordNet and Webster definitions — all licensed sources).

grapple 7 letters wn-def

succeed in doing, achieving, or producing (something) with the limited or inadequate means available

grappling 9 letters wn-def

the act of engaging in close hand-to-hand combat

wrestle 7 letters wn-def

combat to overcome an opposing tendency or force