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wrangle

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun wrangle contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of wrangle are altercation, quarrel, and squabble. While all these words mean "a noisy dispute usually marked by anger," wrangle suggests undignified and often futile disputation with a noisy insistence on differing opinions.

wrangle interminably about small issues

When could altercation be used to replace wrangle?

The synonyms altercation and wrangle are sometimes interchangeable, but altercation implies fighting with words as the chief weapon, although it may also connote blows.

a loud public altercation

When can quarrel be used instead of wrangle?

The words quarrel and wrangle are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, quarrel implies heated verbal contention, stressing strained or severed relations which may persist beyond the contention.

a quarrel nearly destroyed the relationship

When would squabble be a good substitute for wrangle?

Although the words squabble and wrangle have much in common, squabble stresses childish and unseemly dispute over petty matters, but it need not imply bitterness or anger.

a brief squabble over what to do next

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 wrangle
Noun
Perkins is particularly brilliant on domestic moments, including the daily wrangle that is raising small children. The New Yorker, New Yorker, 18 June 2025 The debate continues as the party wrangles with internal divisions and infighting in deciding what political direction to go in next. Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025
Verb
So one Thursday night in June, after wrangling bedtime, my husband and I pulled off the most intense pack job of our lives. Jenny Wiegand, Outside, 27 Aug. 2025 Intuitive systems mean less time wrangling outdated software; and in hospitality, this means more time building guest relationships. Michael Coscetta, Fortune, 22 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wrangle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wrangle
Noun
  • Nearly a year after being removed from Lincoln Heights' village council over a tax dispute, a leading community activist has had his seat restored by a state appeals court.
    David Ferrara, Cincinnati Enquirer, 5 Sep. 2025
  • How the courts and legislatures balance the rights of the majority and minority in these disputes over the place of the Ten Commandments in public life may go a long way toward shaping the future of religious freedom in American public education.
    Lydia Artz, The Conversation, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Not long ago, these militias’ tendency to bicker was mitigated by the deft orchestration of Soleimani.
    Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 2 Sep. 2025
  • During the squabble, Darcey and Georgi bickered about the communication issues impacting their relationship, leaving Georgi’s parents Ginka and Ivan concerned about how healthy their son’s relationship was.
    Abigail Adams, People.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The quarrel continued to escalate, spurring Ates to send the man his location.
    Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 22 Aug. 2025
  • After getting into a quarrel with the passenger, Millise stabbed him in the right torso and slashed the left side of his face with a knife.
    Emma Seiwell, New York Daily News, 20 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The plaintiffs argued the displacement was motivated by a desire to limit readers' access to books with viewpoints that are unpopular and controversial in the area.
    Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • But there are Republicans who argue that the changes to Medicaid strengthen the program for the most vulnerable.
    ABC News, ABC News, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Sinner eventually came through in a display of fight and quality in adversity, and now has a day’s rest to manage the problem.
    Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Classes were offered on serving in-fight refreshments and putting on make-up.
    Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Mulroney, Ackerman, Snow, and Newman turn this story of spatting WAGS into an explosive, addictive watch.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 11 Aug. 2025
  • Preparation has cultural and regional variations, but the seed is usually chewed with slaked lime and betel leaves, and chewing releases a red juice that's often then spat out.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The altercation was captured on CTA surveillance video and cellphone footage taken by the theft victim, according to court documents.
    Christy Gutowski, Chicago Tribune, 2 Sep. 2025
  • However, after they were separated, Hicks ran after the women and retaliated, sparking a second altercation.
    Michael Nied, People.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The deal, brokered after a standoff between state and county officials resulting from a disagreement over whether to raise assessments this year, means homeowners will see a nearly 7% increase above their 2024 property valuation.
    Madeline King, Kansas City Star, 7 Sep. 2025
  • As part of the legal dispute between Priscilla and her former business partners, Brigitte Kruse and Kevin Fialko, a letter Keough wrote to her grandmother was made public, revealing a disagreement between the Daisy Jones & the Six star and her late mom.
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wrangle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wrangle. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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