wangle

wan·gle

verb \ˈwaŋ-gəl\

wan·gledwan·gling \-g(ə-)liŋ\

Definition of WANGLE

intransitive verb

: to resort to trickery or devious methods

transitive verb

1

: to adjust or manipulate for personal or fraudulent ends

2

: to make or get by devious means : finagle <wangle an invitation>

— wan·gler \-g(ə-)lər\ noun

Examples of WANGLE

1. He wangled a free ticket to the show.
2. He managed to wangle his way into the party.

Origin of WANGLE

perhaps alteration of waggle

First Known Use: 1888

Related to WANGLE

Synonyms

contrive, finagle, finesse, frame, machinate, maneuver, manipulate, mastermind, negotiate, engineer

Related Words

arrange, concert, conclude, hammer out, work out; angle (for), compass, intrigue, plot, scheme; connive; brew, concoct, cook (up), hatch; captain, command, conduct, direct, handle, manage, quarterback, run; gerrymander

Near Antonyms

blow, bobble, botch, bungle, butcher, flub, fumble, gum (up), louse up, mangle, mess (up), mishandle, muff

Rhymes with WANGLE

angle, bangle, dangle, jangle, mangel, mangle, spangle, strangle, tangle, wrangle