: a wrench with one fixed and one adjustable jaw at right angles to a straight handle
2
: something that disrupts
threw a monkey wrench into the peace negotiations
Illustration of monkey wrench
monkey wrench 1
Examples of monkey wrench in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Scull would like to throw a major monkey wrench into all of those plans.—Brian Mazique, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025 His request for a presidential meeting flopped, becoming the latest example of a dramatic personal style that was once integral to his nation’s struggle but now looks more like a monkey wrench in dealing with the Trump administration.—Andrew E. Kramer, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2025 Conflicts could certainly throw monkey wrenches into economic forecasts, as the Russia-Ukraine war did.—Bill Conerly, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024 Yes, but: McCarthy was ruled out for the entire season due to a knee injury in August and Darnold has thrown a monkey wrench into everyone's plans, leading the team to an 11-2 record and posting the third-best rating of 45 qualified NFL quarterbacks.—Nick Halter, Axios, 16 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for monkey wrench
Share