Synonyms of wrangle

wrangle 1 of 2

noun

as in dispute

an often noisy or angry expression of differing opinions

there was a bit of a wrangle over how much money to give the high school for its sports programs

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dispute
• quarrel
• bicker
• fight
• altercation
• disagreement
• controversy
• argument
• squabble
• brawl
• row
• spat
• misunderstanding
• set-to
• imbroglio
• disputation
• tiff
• skirmish
• clash
• falling-out
• debate
• contretemps
• battle royal
• tangle
• feud
• tussle
• cross fire
• donnybrook
• kickup
• scrap
• rhubarb
• argy-bargy
• hassle
• difference
• argle-bargle
• run-in
• protest
• dissention
• logomachy
• contention
• objection
• mêlée
• attack
• vendetta
• fisticuffs
• dissension
• protestation
• fuss
• catfight
• melee
• fray
• fracas
• affray
• free-for-all

wrangle

2 of 2

verb

ˈraŋ-gəl 

as in to bicker

to express different opinions about something often angrily

a town meeting at which local residents wrangled for hours about property taxes

Synonyms & Similar Words

• bicker
• argue
• fight
• quarrel
• spat
• clash
• squabble
• dispute
• brawl
• controvert
• scrap
• row
• discuss
• hassle
• debate
• fall out
• quibble
• jar
• altercate
• tiff
• mix it up
• contend
• lock horns
• argufy
• dare
• butt heads
• brabble
• bandy words
• tangle
• contest
• challenge
• defy
• cavil
• object
• kick
• protest
• fuss
• consider
• nitpick

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• get along
• accept
• agree
• coexist
• concur
• consent
• assent

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

Recent Examples of wrangle

Noun

In the photoshoot, Kelce presents a stereotypical (and exaggerated) embodiment of masculinity — he is dressed in full fur, construction vests and wrangles alligators. —Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 16 Aug. 2025

There’s income, estate, and exit tax exposure to wrangle. —Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025

Verb

There’s sure to be more industry wrangling among studios, guilds, lawyers and judges over the parameters of how AI is used in a profressional context. —Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 16 Oct. 2025

Emmet Sheehan wasn’t able to wrangle Mookie Betts’ throw that would have completed a double play. —Levi Weaver, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025