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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of wrench
Kirby Wilson, Miami Herald, 8 May 2025
Injuries to the starting rotation have thrown a wrench into their early-season pitching plans.
—Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2025
Sezin Koehler, EW.com, 28 Feb. 2025
Families faced wrenching decisions as the move loomed, including whether to pull children out of school midyear.
—Matthew Lee, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for wrench
Noun
DeSantis’ threat to veto such a cut could throw a wrench into the ongoing budget talks.
—Kirby Wilson, Miami Herald, 8 May 2025
Injuries to the starting rotation have thrown a wrench into their early-season pitching plans.
—Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2025
Verb
Late in the film, Erivo has one particularly unforgettable moment of raw, wrenching despair, her wail of grief cutting right through the screen.
—Sezin Koehler, EW.com, 28 Feb. 2025
Families faced wrenching decisions as the move loomed, including whether to pull children out of school midyear.
—Matthew Lee, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for wrench
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wrench
Noun
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This three-ingredient cocktail is as easy as can be and lends itself to many creative twists.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
24 May 2025
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Fans want fun— and the newest sports are delivering it by blending familiar formats with bold, inventive twists.—
John Cairney,
Sportico.com,
24 May 2025
Noun
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The tug served multiple purposes beyond moving lumber, including transporting railway cars.—
Todd Richmond,
Twin Cities,
16 May 2025
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The tug was one of the largest and most powerful on the Great Lakes, with a 670-horsepower engine.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
16 May 2025
Verb
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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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Weekend warriors yank out invasive plants to save L.A. River.—
Hailey Branson-Potts,
Los Angeles Times,
27 May 2025
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This month, officials yanked millions in tax receipts from restaurant sales as well as state marketing support, according to local affiliate ABC4.—
John Wenzel,
Denver Post,
22 May 2025
Noun
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Trump calls Bruce Springsteen a 'jerk': The president slapped back after the musician voiced criticism at concertNeed a break?—
Chris Jordan,
USA Today,
19 May 2025
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Millions of readers follow along for her advice on work quandaries big and small, from dealing with office jerks to quitting a toxic job.—
Jennifer Liu,
CNBC,
11 May 2025
Verb
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Photos show damage after storms tear through Kentucky, Missouri, Virginia Contributing: Jeanine Santucci, Zac Anderson; USA TODAY Julia is a trending reporter for USA TODAY.—
Julia Gomez,
USA Today,
19 May 2025
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The Context The outbreak in Kansas follows a devastating storm system that tore through parts of the U.S. over the weekend, resulting in at least 25 fatalities, CNN reported.—
Joe Edwards,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 May 2025
Verb
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In the morning, the restaurant doubles as a coffee shop where guests can grab drip coffee, fresh juices, and a small selection of hot and cold breakfast options, including the beloved Hawaiian classic, Loco Moco.—
Jalyn Robinson,
Travel + Leisure,
25 May 2025
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The colorful bar framed in bright neon lights is on the main concourse, so people walking by can grab a drink and head to the casino or other favorite activity, Allen said.—
Pamela McLoughlin,
Hartford Courant,
24 May 2025
Verb
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Now the Trump administration wants to negate that argument by asserting that to harm an endangered species means only to injure or kill it directly: to rip it out by the roots or blow it away with a shotgun.—
Emma Marris,
The Atlantic,
25 May 2025
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The Tangipahoa Jail is about 70 miles away from New Orleans, where 10 inmates escaped by ripping a toilet and sink unit from the wall and climbing through a hole on May 16.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
24 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Wrench.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wrench. Accessed 31 May. 2025.
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