wrangle 1 of 2

Definition of wranglenext

wrangle

2 of 2

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
The decision was the latest skirmish in a years-long political and legal wrangle over voting requirements for local tax increase proposals. Dan Walters, Mercury News, 11 Oct. 2025 Wilson’s first feature, The Deb, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival last year, but remains unreleased amid a messy legal wrangle between the Australian star and the film’s British producers. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 24 Sep. 2025
Verb
Microsoft’s lawyer even took a jab at Musk’s intentions, asking Altman to testify about other major investors whom Musk has curiously not sought to wrangle into the lawsuit. Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 13 May 2026 The seven states are wrangling over who should reduce water use and by how much during a drought that's lasted more than two decades. ABC News, 8 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for wrangle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wrangle
Noun
  • With the indictment now dismissed, the administration could argue there are fewer procedural barriers preventing another removal effort, though Xinis still retains authority over the injunction dispute unless the 4th Circuit intervenes.
    Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 22 May 2026
  • Prosecutors argued that Daniel Sikkema orchestrated the killing from New York amid a bitter divorce and custody dispute involving the couple’s son.
    Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 22 May 2026
Verb
  • Whereas The Late Show’s prior steward, David Letterman, was happier to playfully bicker with guests, his successor took a surprisingly heady path.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 15 May 2026
  • Since then, showrunner Tim Minear and the rest of the writers have played up the actors' natural chemistry, playing into both the characters' bickering dynamic and their willingness to do anything, including risking their lives, for one another.
    Sabienna Bowman, PEOPLE, 9 May 2026
Noun
  • In a 2024 study, researchers found that chimpanzee mothers tended to step in to defend their children in quarrels—say, over food or space in a tree—in about half of cases the researchers observed in the wild.
    Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 10 May 2026
  • As the trio quarrels, bonds and ventures through the wild unknown, Felix discovers that true bravery may change not only his own destiny, but also the future of his home.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 10 May 2026
Verb
  • Anyone seriously arguing now that money wasn't a major or even the decisive factor here?
    Dana Taylor, USA Today, 19 May 2026
  • At the civil trial, plaintiffs argued Parker failed to properly investigate the reports of the gun.
    Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 18 May 2026
Noun
  • That’s when the real fight begins.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 24 May 2026
  • Usually when an actor in a major role skedaddles a series in mid-stream — because of firings, feuds, contract fights, health crises or creative flameouts — the show finds a way to go on.
    Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 23 May 2026
Verb
  • Callie and Arizona: Another couple spatting over kids.
    Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Mulroney, Ackerman, Snow, and Newman turn this story of spatting WAGS into an explosive, addictive watch.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 11 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Charles Melton plays an American GI named Private K who’s trying to locate his daughter and keeps getting into bloody altercations.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 20 May 2026
  • The argument escalates into a physical altercation, with the two characters coming to blows in the middle of the newsroom.
    Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 18 May 2026
Noun
  • No sub-tweeting, no digs in the press, just two dudes with a minor disagreement hashing it out man-to-man and then moving on.
    Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 May 2026
  • The problem is that many important workplace skills are developed through discussion, disagreement, collaboration, and questioning other people.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Wrangle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wrangle. Accessed 26 May. 2026.

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