: a wrench with one fixed and one adjustable jaw at right angles to a straight handle
2
: something that disrupts
threw a monkey wrench into the peace negotiations
Illustration of monkey wrench
monkey wrench 1
Examples of monkey wrench in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
If Starship doesn’t work as promised, that would be a giant monkey wrench, said Caleb Henry, an analyst with Quilty Space.—Jeremy Bogaisky, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025 Blyth plays Cal, a jumpy and cocksure construction manager who is very much the third wheel — or more like the monkey wrench — in the recent couple formed by Leonie and the considerably older Horn.—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2025 But the legislation may have thrown a monkey wrench into the city of San Diego’s ambitious plans to phase out natural gas in buildings — including existing homes — within the city limits.—Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Aug. 2025 However, two factors can throw a monkey wrench into the mix.—Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 7 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for monkey wrench
Share