wrangle 1 of 2

wrangle

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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
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
  • By the founding of Israel in 1948, only about 20% of the total area of what is known as historic Palestine had been mapped – a fact that has fueled land disputes to this day.
    Christine Leuenberger, The Conversation, 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
Verb
  • Lovers bicker back and forth in angelic proclamations.
    Max Ufberg, hazlitt.net, 10 Jan. 2025
  • The latest fracas between bickering foes India and Pakistan has finally ended after a resolution was resolved following months of warring almost jeopardized the upcoming Champions Trophy.
    Tristan Lavalette, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • But over the coming years, such quarrels may serve as a barometer for which voices in his ear will have the most influence, and the extent to which Trump remains sensitive to public pushback.
    Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 20 Jan. 2025
  • The House has been thrust into a political quarrel after voters elected 67 Democrats and 67 Republicans in November.
    Lauren Irwin, The Hill, 14 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • While it can be argued that the 20th century was defined by long-term employment and prioritizing a sense of stability, the modern landscape—carved in large by younger generations—revolves around personal fulfillment, work-life balance, and a sense of belonging.
    Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 15 Feb. 2025
  • During his speech in Germany, Vance sharply criticized European governance, arguing that the continent faced internal problems and that its commitment to democracy and free speech was struggling.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 15 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The incident may have started as a fight inside a local McDonald’s restaurant, which then spilled out onto the street, according to a police source.
    Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 15 Feb. 2025
  • But that message was undermined by his company’s fight against TVC.
    David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The first is that when U.S. soldiers returned from the war there, protesters spat upon them in disdain.
    Jonathan Zimmerman, Foreign Affairs, 19 May 2016
  • The flare comes after nearly a week of flares and coronal plasma ejections spat toward the planet that threatened disruptions to power and communications systems on Earth.
    Greg Wehner, Fox News, 15 May 2024
Noun
  • He was also arrested in 2012 following an altercation at a hotel in Omaha, Nebraska, and charged with disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and obstructing justice, Reuters reported.
    Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025
  • Tarrant County sheriff’s deputies fatally shot a man who was armed with a knife during an altercation as the deputies tried to serve a warrant Friday afternoon in Haltom City, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The Trump administration will likely appeal the judicial prohibitions and, given the extent of disagreement between the White House and many Democratic-leaning states, the issue will likely be heard by the Supreme Court.
    Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025
  • But the process has faced delays amid intraparty disagreement on how to proceed.
    Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 11 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near wrangle

Cite this Entry

“Wrangle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wrangle. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

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