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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of wrench
Gabriel Morgan, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 June 2025
However, if Lillard is planning to sign with a team this year and wants to land more than the minimum, that throws a wrench into the larger free-agent landscape.
—Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
Tj MacIas, Miami Herald, 14 May 2025
Meet Our Tester Josh Patterson has been riding and wrenching on bikes for 20 years and, with a master’s degree in journalism, has been writing about the sport for more than half of that time.
—Josh Patterson, Outside Online, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for wrench
Noun
While many of the best wrenches prioritize versatility, no one wrench works for every job.
—Gabriel Morgan, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 June 2025
However, if Lillard is planning to sign with a team this year and wants to land more than the minimum, that throws a wrench into the larger free-agent landscape.
—Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
Verb
Terri, a terrier mix pup with soulful eyes, may come off as shy at first, but that’s for a reason, the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) said in a heart wrenching Facebook post.
—Tj MacIas, Miami Herald, 14 May 2025
Meet Our Tester Josh Patterson has been riding and wrenching on bikes for 20 years and, with a master’s degree in journalism, has been writing about the sport for more than half of that time.
—Josh Patterson, Outside Online, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for wrench
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wrench
Noun
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Despite their romance coming to an end, the adventure seeker's exhilarating life — filled with twists, turns and a fair share of couch surfing — had only just begun.—
Skyler Caruso,
People.com,
23 July 2025
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The season ends with one last shocking twist: Kyle runs Sophie off the road and threatens her.—
Allison DeGrushe Published,
EW.com,
23 July 2025
Noun
-
Their ordeal tugs at every family that ever dropped a kiddo off with bug spray, stamped envelopes and hope.—
Bill Weir,
CNN Money,
14 July 2025
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The tug of war over deportations reflects a broader shift in U.S. immigration policy, where enforcement is increasingly intersecting with international diplomacy.—
Antonio Maria Delgado
July 11,
Miami Herald,
11 July 2025
Verb
-
Brands began to pull together resources to support refugees.—
Stephan Rabimov,
Forbes,
13 Feb. 2023
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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
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King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard are yanking their catalog from Spotify, the Australian rock band confirmed on Friday, citing founder Daniel Ek‘s investment in a military defense company.—
Ethan Millman,
HollywoodReporter,
25 July 2025
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And remember when cohost Jenny McCarthy would yell at male players, yank their ears, and just be all-around crude on said series?—
Lindsay Soll,
EW.com,
25 July 2025
Noun
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No, the worst Christopher Reeve Superman film is not the embarrassing Cannon Films installment but rather the one featuring a world-class comedian, a woman turning into a computer, and a terrific junkyard battle between Clark Kent and his belligerent jerk doppelganger.—
Rory Doherty,
Vulture,
11 July 2025
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Midtown Global Market’s Irie Jamaican serves oxtail (jerk or barbecue) with festival (a sweet, fried bread); sweet plantains; coconut shrimp skewers; and a ginger and hibiscus drink.—
Jess Fleming,
Twin Cities,
9 July 2025
Verb
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Curt Stanley was directing airplanes and helicopters as the North Rim's Grand Canyon Lodge was engulfed in flames and destroyed by the Dragon Bravo Fire that tore through the national park on the night of July 12.—
Rey Covarrubias Jr,
AZCentral.com,
15 July 2025
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One person is under investigation after a fire tore through one home in Blue Island and damaged two neighboring buildings early Monday morning, city officials say.—
Olivia Stevens,
Chicago Tribune,
14 July 2025
Verb
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Leave your troubles behind and grab a lime, because Thursday is National Tequila Day.—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
25 July 2025
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Concerned, the roommates grabbed golf clubs from one of the first-floor bedrooms and checked the house for a possible intruder.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
24 July 2025
Verb
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On July 21, Colbert ripped Paramount and Trump in his opening monologue.—
Bill Goodykoontz,
AZCentral.com,
24 July 2025
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Some of the names on the list are already ripping higher Thursday.—
Yun Li,
CNBC,
23 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Wrench.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wrench. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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