wrested

past tense of wrest
1
2
as in extorted
to get (as money) by the use of force or threats vowed that the bully had wrested his lunch money from him for the last time

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in earned
to get with great difficulty farmers who were used to wresting a living from the harsh land

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
5

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 wrested No existing rival has wrested market share from Google. Julia Shapero, The Hill, 2 Sep. 2025 In 1968, Palestinians resurrected an independence movement that wrested decision making away from Egypt and other Arab countries that had been humiliated in the Six-Day War. Hussein Ibish, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 2025 But still, the record is a spiritual victory, full of wisdom wrested from audible pain. Ew Staff Published, EW.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wrested
Verb
  • The complaint alleges that Moseley interfered with her players’ mental health treatment, pried into players’ personal and romantic lives and threatened players about scholarships and playing time.
    Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 17 Aug. 2025
  • The linchpin isn't just at risk; it's being actively pried loose.
    Scott White, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Shannon was going through the worst thing in her life last year — getting a DUI and then being extorted for $75,000 by her ex-boyfriend and his new girlfriend who crashed the show — and what did Tamra do?
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Freedom of Speech is far more American than a hundred-thousand-dollar-per-plate dinner at Mar-a-Lago or trips to Epstein Island or bullying a network into cancelling Steven Colbert or bragging about having extorted $16 million from a movie studio.
    Billy Ray, Deadline, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • For instance, if both people are eligible but one earned more, collect the lower amount first to have some cash.
    Medora Lee, USA Today, 5 Oct. 2025
  • When his high fly ball crossed into Toronto’s home bullpen, Guerrero earned his first playoff homer.
    Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The number of people using the FAIR plan for fire insurance has increased dramatically in recent years as companies have pulled back business in the state due to losses caused by major wildfires arising from risks due to climate change and other factors.
    Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2025
  • On their first possession, Mahomes stood in the pocket with the Chiefs in the red zone, spotted receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster open down the middle and pulled the trigger on a third-down pass.
    Sam McDowell October 3, Kansas City Star, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The incident occurred near 87th Avenue and Van Buren Street when a man grabbed a girl by the arm.
    Wren Smetana, AZCentral.com, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Riddle then grabbed Quirke by the collar and threw him down onto a table before walking off the set with a TMZ championship belt.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Some even report being pinched and yanked at while in the room, staff say the pincher is the ghost of a homeless little girl who occupied the vacant prison during the Great Depression.
    Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Annoyed Detroit ticketholders reacted Wednesday on YoungBoy fan sites after the LCA show was yanked from the tour schedule.
    Brian McCollum, Freep.com, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Some people who have bought homes in the last few years feel squeezed by monthly payments that leave little cash left over.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Thomas turned around and squeezed DeChambeau’s leg with anxiety, his face in a nervous grimace.
    Brody Miller, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • His scraggly beard seems grown to be wrenched.
    Roy Scranton August 20, Literary Hub, 20 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wrested.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wrested. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.

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