wield

verb

wielded; wielding; wields
Synonyms of wield

transitive verb

1
chiefly dialectal : to deal successfully with : manage
2
: to handle (something, such as a tool) especially effectively
wield a broom
3
a
: to exert one's authority by means of
wield influence
b
: to have at one's command or disposal
… did not wield appropriate credentials …G. W. Bonham
wielder noun

Examples of wield in a Sentence

The man was wielding a gun. Can he wield a hammer? He wields a great deal of influence over his students.
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.
Rendering examines how artificial intelligence is disrupting the entertainment industry, taking you inside key battlegrounds and spotlighting change makers wielding the technology for good and ill. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 22 June 2026 In Cali, some burned American flags as others wielded steel bars and clashed with riot police, who tried to disperse the crowd with tear gas. CBS News, 22 June 2026 The president said that Iran was not in a position to wield such leverage and accused the press of lending Tehran favorable coverage throughout the conflict. Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 22 June 2026 Nolan and the cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema, wielding heavy IMAX cameras, shot their picture across the Mediterranean and beyond, in caves, castles, beaches, black-sand wastes, and open water. David Denby, New Yorker, 21 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for wield

Word History

Etymology

Middle English welden to control, from Old English wieldan; akin to Old High German waltan to rule, Latin valēre to be strong, be worth

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of wield was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wield.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wield. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

wield

verb
1
: to put (as a tool) to good use
wield a broom
2
: to use one's authority by means of
wield influence
wielder noun

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