wield

verb

ˈwēld 

wielded; wielding; wields

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

Synonyms of wield

• exert
• use
• apply

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

Yes, Vladimir Putin, the Kremlin strongman, had developed a taste for wielding Russia’s hard power. —Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 21 Feb. 2026

The administration is also wielding Section 301 to launch several investigations into potentially unfair trade practices, which could result in additional new tariffs, the president said. —Jennifer Elias, CNBC, 20 Feb. 2026

The danger lies in the possible public perception that Jackson wields too much power within the party. —Gail Sheehy, Vanity Fair, 20 Feb. 2026

Florida has more condominium and homeowners associations per capita than any state in the country, yet homeowners here are afforded some of the weakest protections when associations wield foreclosure power. —Michael P. Mayoral, Sun Sentinel, 19 Feb. 2026

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

Rhymes for wield

• heald
• healed
• heeled
• keeled
• kneeled
• pealed
• peeled
• reeled
• sealed
• shield
• squealed
• steeled

Kids Definition

wield

verb

ˈwē(ə)ld 

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