1
as in twist
a forceful rotating or pulling motion for the purpose of dislodging something
with a sharp wrench of the hammer I pulled the nail from the board
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in tug
the act or an instance of applying force on something so that it moves in the direction of the force
with one final hard wrench I was able to pull the cork from the bottle
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to pull
to move by or as if by a forceful rotation
with one last sharp yank, he wrenched the lid off the bottle of ketchup
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
3
as in to yank
to separate or remove by forceful pulling
wrenched the post out of the ground
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of wrench
Anne Marie D. Lee, CBS News, 25 Apr. 2025
Screenwriter Dubuque clearly enjoyed writing reams of banter for Affleck and Bernthal, though the results have a way of tossing a wrench in the film’s pacing.
—Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 23 Apr. 2025
Kathleen Newman-Bremang, refinery29.com, 30 Dec. 2024
Pilots wrenched the plane away from a potential collision before landing safely.
—Emily Steel, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for wrench
Noun
Former officials from several different federal agencies who served under Mr. Trump's previous term and the Biden administration have told CBS News on background that looming workforce reductions could throw a wrench in the department's plans to speed up the permitting process.
—Anne Marie D. Lee, CBS News, 25 Apr. 2025
Screenwriter Dubuque clearly enjoyed writing reams of banter for Affleck and Bernthal, though the results have a way of tossing a wrench in the film’s pacing.
—Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
Its story is very good – an emotional, gut wrenching exploration of grief and humanity — and Nyong’o is at her absolute best.
—Kathleen Newman-Bremang, refinery29.com, 30 Dec. 2024
Pilots wrenched the plane away from a potential collision before landing safely.
—Emily Steel, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for wrench
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wrench
Noun
-
The latest twist in the ongoing tussle over ProSiebenSat.1 Media‘s future sees Czech investor PPF seeking to double its stake in the German broadcasting giant, challenging an existing takeover bid from MediaForEurope (MFE).—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
12 May 2025
-
Erling Haaland’s return falls flat as top-five battle takes a twist Analysing the major talking points from Saturday's Premier League game at St Mary's Could Guardiola break the mould and play all three at Wembley, while maintaining the team’s balance?—
Jordan Campbell,
New York Times,
11 May 2025
Noun
-
The title tugs on the irony of Mulvaney’s three-dimensional story while playing with the two-dimensional notion of what a paper doll is.—
Denny,
Them.,
30 Apr. 2025
-
While puppies often love rubbery chew toys, older or senior dogs may prefer softer toys that are easier to hold and tug.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Brands began to pull together resources to support refugees.—
Stephan Rabimov,
Forbes,
13 Feb. 2023
-
The 13-minute performance will likely call for a healthy dose of vibrant, colored lighting to pull it all together.—
Kelly Allen,
House Beautiful,
10 Feb. 2023
Verb
-
Donald Trump is yanking federal funds from public media.—
E. Tammy Kim,
New Yorker,
2 May 2025
-
Soon thereafter, starving, Cage yanks the dead rat from the ground and holds it to his teeth, about to take a bite.—
Rachel Handler,
Vulture,
2 May 2025
Noun
-
But my soft palate being a lazy jerk is not the real culprit here.—
Outside Online,
Outside Online,
2 Apr. 2025
-
But this Ron Howard was an alternate universe version of Ron Howard, who instead of being notoriously nice, is sort of a jerk.—
Esther Zuckerman,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Now, against her will, the past had torn through her and over her.—
Lillian Fishman,
New Yorker,
4 May 2025
-
But Cohen got Alonso back on a two-year deal, and now the Polar Bear is tearing the cover off the ball.—
Sam Settleman,
New York Times,
3 May 2025
Verb
-
Combs returns to the scene shortly thereafter and appears to grab at the phone.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
14 May 2025
-
Rutgers teammates Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey might end up as No. 2 and No. 3 overall, but the Hornets will be able to grab one if not.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
13 May 2025
Verb
-
An 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of ripping down the flag.—
Ishani Desai,
Sacbee.com,
12 May 2025
-
And at this point, Urban couldn’t help but grab a guitar from under his chair and hop onstage to rip a solo.—
Jon Blistein,
Rolling Stone,
9 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Wrench.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wrench. Accessed 18 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share