fudge

verb

Save Word

\ ˈfəj

fudged; fudging

Definition of fudge

(Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

1a : to devise as a substitute : fake

b : falsify fudged the figures

2 : to fail to come to grips with : dodge fudged the issue

intransitive verb

1 : to exceed the proper bounds or limits of something feel that the author has fudged a little on the … rules for crime fiction — Newsweek also : cheat fudging on an exam

2 : to fail to perform as expected

3 : to avoid commitment : hedge the government's tendency to fudge on delicate matters of policy— Claire Sterling

fudge

noun

Definition of fudge (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : foolish nonsense —often used interjectionally to express annoyance, disappointment, or disbelief

2 : a soft creamy candy made typically of sugar, milk, butter, and flavoring

3 : something that is fudged especially : a bending of rules or a compromise

Synonyms More Example Sentences Phrases Containing fudge Learn More About fudge

Examples of fudge in a Sentence

Verb Politicians have been known to fudge the issues. The treasurer fudged the figures. It was later discovered that the researchers had fudged their data. Noun We bought three kinds of fudge. His response to these charges has been a series of denials and fudges.

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb The complexity of food and consumers’ bandwidth for information prompts most brands to fudge the facts with ambiguity and toothless terminology. — Erik Oberholtzer, Rolling Stone, 18 Apr. 2022 Perhaps the White House will try to fudge the issue or water down the proposal, but its basic stance is untenable and shows. — James Freeman, WSJ, 4 Mar. 2022 There were fewer new drugs approved because researchers could no longer fudge the data. — Andy Kessler, WSJ, 23 Jan. 2022 Alternately, perhaps some future Treasury Secretary will persuade Europeans (and other governments) to fudge their interpretations of their own laws to suit political reality in Washington. — The Editorial Board, WSJ, 10 Jan. 2022 Acosta-Córdova views the air quality ordinance as essentially theater, the environmental impact assessments as work companies can fudge to deflect community criticism. — Talia Soglin, chicagotribune.com, 15 Dec. 2021 History has taught us that people don’t typically fudge numbers unless there are compelling reasons–and there are plenty of compelling reasons to misstate ESG efforts. — Fortune, 22 Nov. 2021 The draft wound up excluding the rich who found doctors willing to fudge, producing a war largely fought by the poor. — Arthur L. Caplan, STAT, 25 Sep. 2021 The next report will be published in the fall and reading the tea leaves in D.C. gives one the sense that Treasury will continue to fudge the issue. — Vasuki Shastry, Forbes, 15 May 2021 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun The Callewaert family's Mackinac Island businesses have grown since that first fudge shop opened. — Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 10 May 2022 The chocolate chip cookie dough with fudge filling features the iconic Toll House chocolate chip cookie dough with a rich chocolate filling. — Sabrina Weiss, PEOPLE.com, 12 Apr. 2022 Use as a secret dairy-free binder in homemade vegan fudge. — Antara Sinha, Bon Appétit, 8 Apr. 2022 Down the other might lie a diplomatic fudge that no key player seems able to frame given stark Russian demands. — Stephen Collinson, CNN, 15 Feb. 2022 White cake ice cream with yellow cake pieces and a milk chocolate fudge swirl. — Kelly Tyko, USA TODAY, 27 Jan. 2022 The restaurant specializes in Lao and Thai cuisines, and features starters, salads, soups, curries, noodles, entrees and a hot fudge s'mores cake for dessert, according to its menu. — Hannah Kirby, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 9 Feb. 2022 The night before or earlier in the day, one person can whip cream for ice cream while the other melts chocolate for hot fudge. — New York Times, 4 Feb. 2022 From hot fudge sundaes on the couch to fancy beef Wellingtons, consider these romantic blueprints for your own dream date night—even if that is just with your cat. — Ali Francis, Bon Appétit, 8 Feb. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'fudge.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.