WRANGLE Synonyms: 84 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'wrangle' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of wrangle are altercation , quarrel , and squabble . While all these words mean "a noisy dispute usually marked by anger," wrangle suggests undignified and often futile disputation with a noisy insistence on differing opinions. // wrangle interminably about small issues

Q: When could 'altercation' be used to replace 'wrangle'?

The synonyms altercation and wrangle are sometimes interchangeable, but altercation implies fighting with words as the chief weapon, although it may also connote blows. // a loud public altercation

Q: When can 'quarrel' be used instead of 'wrangle'?

The words quarrel and wrangle are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, quarrel implies heated verbal contention, stressing strained or severed relations which may persist beyond the contention. // a quarrel nearly destroyed the relationship

Q: When would 'squabble' be a good substitute for 'wrangle'?

Although the words squabble and wrangle have much in common, squabble stresses childish and unseemly dispute over petty matters, but it need not imply bitterness or anger. // a brief squabble over what to do next

wrangle 1 of 2

noun

Definition of wrangle next

as in dispute

an often noisy or angry expression of differing opinions there was a bit of a wrangle over how much money to give the high school for its sports programs

Synonyms & Similar Words

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wrangle

2 of 2

verb

ˈraŋ-gəl

as in to bicker

to express different opinions about something often angrily a town meeting at which local residents wrangled for hours about property taxes

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun wrangle contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of wrangle are altercation, quarrel, and squabble. While all these words mean "a noisy dispute usually marked by anger," wrangle suggests undignified and often futile disputation with a noisy insistence on differing opinions.

wrangle interminably about small issues

When could altercation be used to replace wrangle?

The synonyms altercation and wrangle are sometimes interchangeable, but altercation implies fighting with words as the chief weapon, although it may also connote blows.

a loud public altercation

When can quarrel be used instead of wrangle?

The words quarrel and wrangle are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, quarrel implies heated verbal contention, stressing strained or severed relations which may persist beyond the contention.

a quarrel nearly destroyed the relationship

When would squabble be a good substitute for wrangle?

Although the words squabble and wrangle have much in common, squabble stresses childish and unseemly dispute over petty matters, but it need not imply bitterness or anger.

a brief squabble over what to do next

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 wrangle

Noun

Husband and father Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) uproots an oversized Christmas tree, decorates his house with enough lights to cause a citywide power outage, and wrangles annoying family members, all in the hope of forcing a perfect Christmas. —

EW.com, 30 Nov. 2024 Watch Fulshear police officer wrangle alligator with bare hands Suspect killed after car chase following officer shooting The suspect and responding officers reportedly exchanged gunfire when two additional officers were shot. —

Alexis Simmerman, Austin American-Statesman, 30 Aug. 2024

Verb

Wildlife officers with Chicago Animal Care and Control safely wrangled the coyote from the North Kedzie Avenue store Monday, Jan. 13, according to WTTW. —

Mike Stunson, Kansas City Star, 14 Jan. 2025 At the same time, the show, even though it is revised until the last minute, is tightly organized, a machine involving scores of workers creating sets and wrangling costumes in the last couple of days before air. —

Robert Lloyd, Twin Cities, 26 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for wrangle

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wrangle

Noun

The burgeoning dispute pits free speech protections against the FCC’s authority to ensure that public airwaves operate in the public interest.

— Winston Cho, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Feb. 2025
The push follows an ongoing contract dispute between Optimum's parent company, Altice USA, and MSG Networks, which has resulted in the loss of access to MSG sports programming for thousands of customers.

— Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025