# wrangle

/ˈɹæŋɡəɫ/ (US) · /ɹˈæŋɡəl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/wrangle
Updated: 2026-10-19

## Definition

to argue loudly for a long time, often about something small. You use it when people keep disagreeing and no one wants to stop.

For teachers: to dispute or argue angrily and at length, often over a trivial matter. Implies persistent, noisy disagreement rather than a brief exchange.

## Examples

- They often wrangle over who pays the bill.
- The neighbours continue to wrangle over the fence line despite two meetings with the housing association.
- After months spent trying to wrangle a compromise from rival departments, she understood that the dispute was less about budgets than about pride.

## Synonyms

argue, quarrel, squabble, fight, dispute, bicker

## Antonyms

agree

## Usage notes

- Usually intransitive in this sense; takes 'over' or 'about' for the disputed matter.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.