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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of wrench
Jeff Wagner, CBS News, 1 Jan. 2026
Wall Street is mostly bullish on the market’s performance for next year, but the midterm elections could throw a wrench into that positive outlook.
—Sean Conlon, CNBC, 30 Dec. 2025
Thomas Jones, Austin American Statesman, 3 Jan. 2026
The space was replete with the repetitive knocking of drumsticks, the undulating rhythm of Qur’anic prayers, and the gut-wrenching murmur of lamentation coming from That is not still (Sesuatu yang tidak berdiam), a 2024 video work about Indonesia’s diverse soundscape.
—Hung Duong, Artforum, 1 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for wrench
Noun
Before ringing in 2026, some drivers are getting ringed up for hundreds of dollars at the impound lot, as Twin Cities drivers found a wrench thrown into their New Year's Eve plans.
—Jeff Wagner, CBS News, 1 Jan. 2026
Wall Street is mostly bullish on the market’s performance for next year, but the midterm elections could throw a wrench into that positive outlook.
—Sean Conlon, CNBC, 30 Dec. 2025
Verb
Texas basketball forward Dailyn Swain had the best game of his career, but that offered no solace after a wrenching 101-98 overtime loss to Mississippi State in the SEC opener for both squads Saturday at Moody Center.
—Thomas Jones, Austin American Statesman, 3 Jan. 2026
The space was replete with the repetitive knocking of drumsticks, the undulating rhythm of Qur’anic prayers, and the gut-wrenching murmur of lamentation coming from That is not still (Sesuatu yang tidak berdiam), a 2024 video work about Indonesia’s diverse soundscape.
—Hung Duong, Artforum, 1 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for wrench
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wrench
Noun
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Six of them — in an odd twist of fate — won Super Bowl LVI with the Rams following the 2021 season.—
Mike Kaye
January 6,
Charlotte Observer,
6 Jan. 2026
-
Midwestern bakeries have embraced the tradition, giving it an American twist with additional flavors like custard, chocolate, lemon, blueberry and more.—
Jelissa Burns,
Freep.com,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
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In addition, the city’s Fourth of July fireworks show requires barge and tug services and marine safety coordination, adding to the overall cost.—
Susannah Bryan,
Sun Sentinel,
4 Jan. 2026
-
Throughout the night, the two teams continued to play a game of tug of war with neither team giving the other an inch.—
Mukala Kabongo,
Boston Herald,
4 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The strong currents from flash floods can pull drivers off roadways.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Nov. 2025
-
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
-
Therefore Primate and its promising central character turns more into a typical slasher flick, repeatedly knocking off the swimsuit-wearing teens one by one, his specialty being yanking out jaws and other bloody grossouts.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Officer Alex Millan then yanked open the passenger door of the suspects’ car; at the same time, the car drove forward over the curb.—
Bay Area News Group,
Mercury News,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
For those with less-briny palates, a fine jerk chicken and a number of steak cuts are also available.—
Jesse Ashlock,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Jan. 2026
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Mike’s older sister, Nancy (Natalia Dyer), is our entry point to Hawkins High; a pretty striver, she’s recently been distracted from academics by a fling with popular jerk Steve Harrington (Joe Keery).—
Judy Berman,
Time,
26 Dec. 2025
Verb
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The Pacers were without Isaiah Jackson (concussion), Bennedict Mathurin (right thumb sprain), Obi Toppin (right foot stress fracture) and Tyrese Haliburton (right Achilles tendon tear).—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
11 Jan. 2026
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Leaving broken branches and stems in place potentially makes branch damage worse, allows bark to tear further, and leaves plants more exposed to diseases and winter winds.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Jan. 2026
Noun
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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
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Tri-State Fishing and Outdoor Show Don your camo gear and grab your fishing poles for the Tri-State Fishing and Outdoor Show.—
Caroline Ritzie,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
7 Jan. 2026
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The suspects, seen grabbing armfuls of merchandise during multiple rounds of theft, reportedly fled in a U-Haul truck, Lower Merion Police told Fox 29 Philadelphia.—
Bonny Chu,
FOXNews.com,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Wrench.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wrench. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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