wrench
8 synonyms for wrench, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — US: a hand tool used to grip and turn nuts, bolts, or pipes; called a spanner in British English.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
US: a hand tool used to grip and turn nuts, bolts, or pipes; called a spanner in British English.
“He grabbed a wrench from the toolbox to tighten the bolt.”
Etymology
Comes from Middle English wrench, from Old English wrenċ, from Proto-Germanic *wrankiz, from Proto-Indo-European *wreng- (“to turn”). Compare German Rank (“plot, intrigue”).
Full origin of wrench →Frequently asked questions
What does “wrench” mean?
The word “wrench” means uS: a hand tool used to grip and turn nuts, bolts, or pipes; called a spanner in British English. In plain terms, either the tool for turning bolts, or a sudden violent twist (literal or emotional).
How do you pronounce “wrench”?
“Wrench” is pronounced REHNCH (/ˈɹɛnt͡ʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “wrench” in a sentence?
Here is “wrench” used in a sentence: “He grabbed a wrench from the toolbox to tighten the bolt.”
What part of speech is “wrench”?
Depending on how it is used, “wrench” can be a noun and a verb.
Is “wrench” a common word?
“Wrench” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “wrench” have?
“Wrench” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: uS: a hand tool used to grip and turn nuts, bolts, or pipes; called a spanner in British English.
