wrenching 1 of 3

wrenching

2 of 3

noun

as in twisting
a forceful rotating or pulling motion for the purpose of dislodging something after a lot of wrenching and tugging, the plumber managed to pull the stubborn pipe free

Synonyms & Similar Words

wrenching

3 of 3

verb

present participle of wrench

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 wrenching
Verb
For others, the idea evokes gut-wrenching fear and anxiety. Mark Travers, Forbes, 5 Jan. 2025 The book’s most wrenching passages describe his administration’s treatment of the women, who were often assaulted by mobs while police looked on. Barbara Spindel, The Christian Science Monitor, 2 Jan. 2025 Carol remembers overhearing the gut-wrenching phone call between her father and her grandmother. Anna Turning, NBC News, 29 Dec. 2024 Synergy became key to the naturalism that makes the domestic drama so wrenching. Matthew Jacobs, Vulture, 27 Dec. 2024 The heart wrenching film, based on a book by author Colleen Hoover, follows a flower shop owner named Lily Blossom Bloom (Lively), who falls in love with a dashing neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid (Baldoni) and reconnects with her stoic childhood sweetheart, Atlas Corrigan (Brandon Sklenar). Jay Stahl, USA TODAY, 21 Dec. 2024 Her wrenching performances in Dublin brought her back to stardom on the London stage. Bob Blaisdell, The Christian Science Monitor, 20 Dec. 2024 On Saturday, the franchise had to make another gut-wrenching injury announcement. Jason Beede, Orlando Sentinel, 8 Dec. 2024 But looking to bounce back from the sting of a gut-wrenching loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Friday, the Lakers (13-11) took care of business, beating the Blazers 107-98 to end their three-game losing streak. Khobi Price, Orange County Register, 8 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wrenching
Adjective
  • Watching Spencer unravel and knowing Toby was playing this double agent game was agonizing.
    Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 20 June 2025
  • White survived, but watched countless peers and loved ones suffer agonizing deaths.
    Hillel Italie, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2025
Verb
  • Goldy still has one of those markers - excessive pulling - sitting unused in front of him.
    Tony Blengino, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025
  • The Thunder trailed by 16 in the first half before pulling within 52-48 at halftime.
    Austin Knoblauch, Los Angeles Times, 3 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Homages to the Bethesda games’ slow-motion kills are aplenty, with gratuitous shots of bullets tearing through bodies and painting the walls red.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 24 Dec. 2024
  • Higbee was on the physically unable to perform list after tearing his back ACL and MCL last postseason.
    Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 22 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Atletico only made three interceptions (PSG had 12), which was partly Diego Simeone’s game plan, but also proof of just how torturous PSG are to defend against.
    Liam Tharme, New York Times, 16 June 2025
  • Included in that torturous run was a 24-game losing streak.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 1 June 2025
Noun
  • Give one of the center leaves of the pineapple a firm but gentle tug.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 22 June 2025
  • Ripe tomatoes should easily come off the plant with a gentle tug.
    Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • After cutting edge surgery Angela Sutphin is without excruciating pain in her right arm and can get a full night’s sleep.
    Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 20 June 2025
  • The disease, which has no cure, is known to cause excruciating pain and fatigue, and can lead to serious complications, including strokes, lung problems and organ damage.
    Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 19 June 2025
Noun
  • This mocktail is pure indulgence with a playful twist.
    Essence, Essence, 17 June 2025
  • Garnish with a twist of lemon peel (express lemon oil) French Martini Ingredients: 3oz The Reid Vodka 3oz Pineapple juice 3oz Raspberry Liquor or raspberry syrup Instructions: Add ingredients to shaker with ice.
    Katie Kelly Bell, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • Late Tuesday night, social media was awash with dramatic images of the raging blaze, as well as the hilltop museum surrounded by flames ripping through its surrounding trees and vegetation.
    The Editors of ARTnews, ARTnews.com, 8 Jan. 2025
  • The magazine said Gallagher provides vocals on the chorus, with Ryder taking on the verses, Starkey on drums, guitar, bass and keyboards and Bell ripping an extended guitar solo.
    Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 8 Jan. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wrenching.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wrenching. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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