1
as in twist
a forceful rotating or pulling motion for the purpose of dislodging something
with a sharp wrench of the hammer I pulled the nail from the board
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in tug
the act or an instance of applying force on something so that it moves in the direction of the force
with one final hard wrench I was able to pull the cork from the bottle
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to pull
to move by or as if by a forceful rotation
with one last sharp yank, he wrenched the lid off the bottle of ketchup
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
3
as in to yank
to separate or remove by forceful pulling
wrenched the post out of the ground
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of wrench
Kirby Wilson, Miami Herald, 8 May 2025
Injuries to the starting rotation have thrown a wrench into their early-season pitching plans.
—Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2025
Sezin Koehler, EW.com, 28 Feb. 2025
Families faced wrenching decisions as the move loomed, including whether to pull children out of school midyear.
—Matthew Lee, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for wrench
Noun
DeSantis’ threat to veto such a cut could throw a wrench into the ongoing budget talks.
—Kirby Wilson, Miami Herald, 8 May 2025
Injuries to the starting rotation have thrown a wrench into their early-season pitching plans.
—Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2025
Verb
Late in the film, Erivo has one particularly unforgettable moment of raw, wrenching despair, her wail of grief cutting right through the screen.
—Sezin Koehler, EW.com, 28 Feb. 2025
Families faced wrenching decisions as the move loomed, including whether to pull children out of school midyear.
—Matthew Lee, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for wrench
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wrench
Noun
-
The latest twist in the ongoing tussle over ProSiebenSat.1 Media‘s future sees Czech investor PPF seeking to double its stake in the German broadcasting giant, challenging an existing takeover bid from MediaForEurope (MFE).—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
12 May 2025
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Erling Haaland’s return falls flat as top-five battle takes a twist Analysing the major talking points from Saturday's Premier League game at St Mary's Could Guardiola break the mould and play all three at Wembley, while maintaining the team’s balance?—
Jordan Campbell,
New York Times,
11 May 2025
Noun
-
The title tugs on the irony of Mulvaney’s three-dimensional story while playing with the two-dimensional notion of what a paper doll is.—
Denny,
Them.,
30 Apr. 2025
-
While puppies often love rubbery chew toys, older or senior dogs may prefer softer toys that are easier to hold and tug.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Brands began to pull together resources to support refugees.—
Stephan Rabimov,
Forbes,
13 Feb. 2023
-
The 13-minute performance will likely call for a healthy dose of vibrant, colored lighting to pull it all together.—
Kelly Allen,
House Beautiful,
10 Feb. 2023
Verb
-
The global economy had been yanked in every direction, nonstop, for weeks.—
Matteo Wong,
The Atlantic,
13 May 2025
-
His childhood home in Dolton happened to be on the market on the day of his election, but it was quickly yanked off when the owner heard the exciting news.—
Natalia Senanayake,
People.com,
13 May 2025
Noun
-
Trump calls Bruce Springsteen a 'jerk': The president slapped back after the musician voiced criticism at concertNeed a break?—
Chris Jordan,
USA Today,
19 May 2025
-
Millions of readers follow along for her advice on work quandaries big and small, from dealing with office jerks to quitting a toxic job.—
Jennifer Liu,
CNBC,
11 May 2025
Verb
-
Now, against her will, the past had torn through her and over her.—
Lillian Fishman,
New Yorker,
4 May 2025
-
But Cohen got Alonso back on a two-year deal, and now the Polar Bear is tearing the cover off the ball.—
Sam Settleman,
New York Times,
3 May 2025
Verb
-
Combs returns to the scene shortly thereafter and appears to grab at the phone.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
14 May 2025
-
The Pineapple Express actress allegedly grabbed and struck van Ree's arm in an altercation at a Seattle airport.—
Alex Gurley,
People.com,
13 May 2025
Verb
-
An 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of ripping down the flag.—
Ishani Desai,
Sacbee.com,
12 May 2025
-
And at this point, Urban couldn’t help but grab a guitar from under his chair and hop onstage to rip a solo.—
Jon Blistein,
Rolling Stone,
9 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Wrench.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wrench. Accessed 21 May. 2025.
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