wrench 1 of 2

Definition of wrenchnext
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

wrench

2 of 2

verb

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
as in to damage
to injure by overuse, misuse, or pressure wrenched her shoulder by all of that heavy lifting

Synonyms & Similar Words

3

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 wrench
Noun
Public opposition has thrown a wrench into the AI industry’s sweeping data center construction plans. Tristan Bove, Fortune, 22 June 2026 Yeah, that’s the one thing that really throws a wrench into the Guest 2 theory. Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 20 June 2026
Verb
The footage released by the LAPD on Friday shows the moments leading up to the heart-wrenching scene. Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026 Its portrayal of overwhelming, gut-wrenching grief could easily leave its characters cynical about love. Dana Feldman, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for wrench
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wrench
Noun
  • With granny shorts, these soft loafers create a relaxed put still put-together look that’s ideal for those who love a classic vibe with a trendy twist.
    René Chávez Esparza, Glamour, 3 July 2026
  • And in a novel twist, there will be a ball drop in New York City’s Times Square at midnight to usher in the July Fourth holiday with much the same revelry that is typically reserved for New Year’s Eve.
    Steven Sloan, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
Noun
  • The current federal and state-level policy push shaping how companies deploy AI systems is also experiencing a tug of war.
    Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 2 July 2026
  • The tug of war is also hair-raising because China's approach puts the world's most powerful AI in the hands of bad actors, who could – and likely will – use the models to wreak havoc.
    Craig S. Smith, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • Fire alarms sounded after a resident pulled the alarm, prompting crews to evacuate buildings as a precaution.
    Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
  • Sorloth played high, facilitating Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard to rotate wide and pull deeper to get on the ball.
    Liam Tharme, New York Times, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • Then, five days after the best start of his young MLB career coincided with one of his worst moments, he was yanked after just 2 1/3 innings in Sunday’s 11-5 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates.
    Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 5 July 2026
  • Winco also yanked about 13,500 Roman Candles 8 Shot 3-Pack Firework Devices.
    David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • Iyer called the case heart-wrenching.
    Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 8 May 2026
  • This can feel challenging and heart-wrenching.
    Cori Sears, The Spruce, 22 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • For instance, there are glazed pork belly chunks served on crispy tostones, tuna tataki with a jerk-spice rub, and a bright, citrusy conch salad.
    Chadner Navarro, Travel + Leisure, 29 June 2026
  • Learn how to cook lionfish ceviche, jerk chicken, and more with a group of like-minded people from all over the world, concluding with an alfresco feast—a true one-of-a-kind connection between strangers.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • Shakespeare’s haughty Roman war hero, revered on the battlefield yet reviled by hungry plebeians, becomes the flash point in a young democracy tearing itself apart over power and sacrifice.
    Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • That tactic may situate this work within a lineage that includes Jacques Villeglé and Mimmo Rotella, artists who used swiped, torn ads during the postwar era.
    Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • Video of the incident showed the professor grabbing and twisting the arm of the pro-Palestinian student.
    Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
  • As police tried to handcuff Sever, the Westmoreland County District Attorney's Office said Sever swung at troopers and forcefully grabbed at a trooper's duty weapon, which was secured in a holster.
    Madeline Bartos, CBS News, 29 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wrench.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wrench. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on wrench

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster