wrangle 1 of 2

Definition of wranglenext

wrangle

2 of 2

verb

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
The decision was the latest skirmish in a years-long political and legal wrangle over voting requirements for local tax increase proposals. Dan Walters, Mercury News, 11 Oct. 2025 Wilson’s first feature, The Deb, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival last year, but remains unreleased amid a messy legal wrangle between the Australian star and the film’s British producers. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 24 Sep. 2025
Verb
The lights are back on at the Muppet Theatre, and Kermit the Frog is ready to wrangle Miss Piggy and the rest of his unruly ensemble for a brand-new special. Kennedy French, Variety, 23 Jan. 2026 But he was also quickly impeached following wrangling with opposition lawmakers over his refusal to fill vacant seats at the Constitutional Court, which was deliberating whether to formally throw Yoon out of office. CNN Money, 22 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wrangle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wrangle
Noun
  • But before the action alights in the location of the latest dispute between adjacent property owners to catch the eye of directors Harrison Fishman and Dylan Redford (yes, grandson of Robert), the shot fills with the telltale red, white and blue of the American flag.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
  • While Japan has seized fishing vessels from South Korea and Taiwan in recent years, the incident is the first involving a vessel from China since 2022 and comes against the backdrop of a major diplomatic dispute between the countries.
    Reuters, NBC news, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The choice not to pick a team has left fans bickering with each other.
    Mike Sullivan, CBS News, 5 Feb. 2026
  • The pair also bicker a bit as Aniston pauses mid-styling session to tame her own ‘do.
    Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 3 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Today the Moon in your sign is at odds with fiery Mars, hinting at domestic quarrels and problems.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 8 Feb. 2026
  • His quarrels with Massie and interest in relitigating the 2020 election seem to animate him more, too.
    W. James Antle III, The Washington Examiner, 6 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Proponents of banning firms such as Blackstone from buying single-family homes, many of whom are on the Left and populist Right, argue that those investors are crowding out the market for homebuyers.
    Zach Halaschak, The Washington Examiner, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Why pigeons can outperform drones in some missions The startup argued that pigeons offer practical advantages over conventional drones in specific environments.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • How much were you involved in choreographing the fight scenes?
    Carole Horst, Variety, 14 Feb. 2026
  • My record is one of an effective lawmaker who never backs down from a fight.
    Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Callie and Arizona: Another couple spatting over kids.
    Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Mulroney, Ackerman, Snow, and Newman turn this story of spatting WAGS into an explosive, addictive watch.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 11 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Then, with many on the court at this point, Stewart came rushing off the Pistons’ bench to confront Bridges, throwing a punch as their altercation became the focal point of the madness on the hardwood.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026
  • At that point, an altercation ensued, and everyone was eventually forced outside, and the staff shut the door, according to court documents.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • This is not necessarily a disagreement with the party itself, but with certain practices that limit openness.
    Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Debates and disagreements have gotten personal.
    Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 14 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Wrangle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wrangle. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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