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
Relevance
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
Kelsey Mulvey, Southern Living, 31 Oct. 2025
This could throw a wrench in the team's plans.
—Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Oct. 2025
George Ramsay, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2025
But the most important part of the story left unseen in the series is the gut-wrenching violence Gacy inflicted on his victims, both those who died and the few who survived.
—Hunter Ingram, Variety, 18 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for wrench
Noun
But, no matter how good your intentions are, life always manages to throw a wrench into your cleaning routine.
—Kelsey Mulvey, Southern Living, 31 Oct. 2025
This could throw a wrench in the team's plans.
—Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
The gut-wrenching loss ensures that the Mariners’ unwanted record as the only team in Major League Baseball never to appear at the Fall Classic remains very much intact.
—George Ramsay, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2025
But the most important part of the story left unseen in the series is the gut-wrenching violence Gacy inflicted on his victims, both those who died and the few who survived.
—Hunter Ingram, Variety, 18 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for wrench
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wrench
Noun
-
That shot-on-film aspect lends to the film feeling like a throwback to classic coming-of-age movies, but with a chilling twist.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Frosty Swirls add a twist of strawberry, caramel or brownie batter sauce to the customer’s choice of a vanilla or chocolate Frosty.—
Sabrina Weiss,
PEOPLE,
10 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Neither tug was blatant, but both seemed to impede Allende.—
Henry Bushnell,
New York Times,
2 Nov. 2025
-
Dogs’ favorite bonding activities include playing fetch, tug, or Frisbee.—
Maria Azzurra Volpe,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The strong currents from flash floods can pull drivers off roadways.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Nov. 2025
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Bruce Bennett / Getty Images TORONTO — Anthony Stolarz pulled Dennis Hildeby in close as the 6-foot-7 Swede was putting the finishing touches on his goalie gear.—
Joshua Kloke,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Just as the video began, a man identified as Justin Calhoon, 19, lunged across the table, yanked it toward him and flipped it on its side while Turning Point materials spilled onto the pavement.—
Peter D'Abrosca,
FOXNews.com,
6 Nov. 2025
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Ciattarelli promises to lower energy costs immediately by yanking the state out of a regional greenhouse gas initiative, as well as any other environmental policy that voters are sick of.—
David Weigel,
semafor.com,
3 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Tonight, Al Roker and his Weather Hunter team will be in attendance, anticipating a bevy of soulful classics, including oxtail, ribs, fries, mac and cheese and jerk chicken.—
Mackenzie Cummings-Grady,
Billboard,
5 Nov. 2025
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Dig into Caribbean jerk chicken pizza at Blackstone Pub downtown or savor a few slices topped with spicy meatballs and peppadews served with a waterfront view at Little Bridge Marina’s Pizza Kitchen.—
Jennifer Stewart Kornegay,
Southern Living,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Suddenly, there’s dozens of supervillains tearing the place (and each other) apart.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
7 Nov. 2025
-
The shots tore Lee’s face apart.—
Equal Justice Initiative,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
People were calling it tacky, brave, MFA garbage, heart wrenching.—
Sarah Adler
September 8,
Literary Hub,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Gut wrenching doesn’t begin to describe it.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
However, Cena outsmarted him by grabbing the chair, throwing it next to Dom, and pretending to be down on the mat.—
Matthew Couden,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Nov. 2025
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Security camera footage from a nearby apartment complex showed the naked man walking across the street prior to the incident, seemingly talking to himself and grabbing a sign, per NBC 4.—
Toria Sheffield,
PEOPLE,
10 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Wrench.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wrench. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.
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