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
Douglas Schoen, Orange County Register, 20 Mar. 2025
But the centers have to be equipped once they’re built, and much of the hardware comes from abroad, so trade wars could throw a wrench in the works.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 19 Mar. 2025
Kathleen Newman-Bremang, refinery29.com, 30 Dec. 2024
Pilots wrenched the plane away from a potential collision before landing safely.
—Emily Steel, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for wrench
Noun
Unfortunately, recent weeks have clearly thrown a wrench into that plan.
—Douglas Schoen, Orange County Register, 20 Mar. 2025
But the centers have to be equipped once they’re built, and much of the hardware comes from abroad, so trade wars could throw a wrench in the works.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
Its story is very good – an emotional, gut wrenching exploration of grief and humanity — and Nyong’o is at her absolute best.
—Kathleen Newman-Bremang, refinery29.com, 30 Dec. 2024
Pilots wrenched the plane away from a potential collision before landing safely.
—Emily Steel, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for wrench
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wrench
Noun
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Its turban-style silhouette features a subtle front twist and elastic at the back for a secure, comfortable fit, perfect for curly and thick textures, but may wear looser for those with finer hair.—
Jailynn Taylor,
Allure,
5 Apr. 2025
-
Biles, 28, gave a sporty look a chic twist by wearing an oversized white Balenciaga jean jacket with black knee-high leather boots.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
People.com,
5 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Season 3 tugs a similar string by dedicating Episode 7 to two instrumental moments from Ian and Poppy’s childhood.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
26 Mar. 2025
-
Downy’s version also acts as a fabric freshener and only requires a spritz on the fabric, plus a tug and smooth to release the wrinkles.—
Rylee Johnston,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Brands began to pull together resources to support refugees.—
Stephan Rabimov,
Forbes,
13 Feb. 2023
-
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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President Donald Trump’s decision to yank the nomination of Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) to become U.S. ambassador to the United Nations is the latest sign Republicans have a special election problem.—
W. James Antle III,
The Washington Examiner,
28 Mar. 2025
-
Two nights after being yanked in the first period in Tampa Bay, Jarry again was pulled after allowing four goals, this time on 12 shots.—
Josh Yohe,
New York Times,
28 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Dig in: The meal is $75 and includes dishes like jerk chicken with rice and peas and coconut collard greens, cow heel soup and crawfish hushpuppies.—
Chelsea Brasted,
Axios,
24 Mar. 2025
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The Lion’s Tail is a transitional drink that tastes like if a Jamaican jerk chicken and a Whiskey Sour couldn’t keep their hands off each other.—
Jeremy Repanich,
Robb Report,
11 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Since becoming president again, Trump has publicly torn into Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy but also tried to pressure Russia's Vladimir Putin to accept a peace deal.—
Time,
Time,
1 Apr. 2025
-
In McEwen, Tennessee, about 50 miles west of Nashville, a tornado tore the roof off a house and trapped residents inside.—
Ron Estes,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Roberts grabbed eight boards vs. Gonzaga in the round of 32, 12 vs. Purdue in the Sweet 16 and 12 more vs. Duke in the Final Four.—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Apr. 2025
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In the footage, Combs, wearing a robe, is seen kicking Ventura, grabbing her by the hair and throwing her to the ground before grabbing her suitcase and handbag.—
Kevin Dolak,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
But Paredes singled on a first-pitch fastball from Jax, and Alvarez ripped the reliever’s pitch for a no-doubt, two-run homer.—
Dan Hayes,
New York Times,
7 Apr. 2025
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Gabriel was among at least nine people killed across several states after a rash of deadly storms ripped through the central US, spawning dozens of tornadoes, dumping more than a foot of rain and leaving catastrophic flooding.—
Holly Yan,
CNN Money,
5 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Wrench.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wrench. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.
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