wielded; wielding; wields
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
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
Moments later, in a shocking turn of events, a man wearing a black mask and wielding a gun emerged from the Acura in broad daylight, Lemma said.
—Kc Baker, Peoplemag, 23 Apr. 2024
But the far-right flank of the Republican conference, which has wielded outsized power in a tiny majority, spoke out to oppose the bill.
—Annie Karni, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2024
Fortunately for some, quantum computers aren’t yet powerful enough to wield Shor’s algorithm on demand.
—IEEE Spectrum, 16 Apr. 2024
He could be seen on numerous videos alongside other Proud Boys during the insurrection, dressed in tactical gear, leading chants and wielding the ax handle inside the Capitol.
—Daniel Desrochers, Kansas City Star, 16 Apr. 2024
The latest flare-up of tensions has again raised questions over how much leverage China wields over Iran – and whether Beijing is willing to turn its political capital into influence.
—Nectar Gan, CNN, 15 Apr. 2024
Hiroto has killed all but one of the Turtles, as well as their mentor, Splinter; the remaining Turtle seeks revenge by wielding all four of their signature weapons.
—Adam B. Vary, Variety, 11 Apr. 2024
Orlando wielded power over the board as its president for three decades, while John Spahi served on the board for roughly 18 years.
—James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2024
Trump has also posted a photo of himself wielding a bat at Bragg's head, among other attacks on the district attorney.
—Aysha Bagchi, USA TODAY, 11 Apr. 2024
Kc Baker, Peoplemag, 23 Apr. 2024
But the far-right flank of the Republican conference, which has wielded outsized power in a tiny majority, spoke out to oppose the bill.
—Annie Karni, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2024
Fortunately for some, quantum computers aren’t yet powerful enough to wield Shor’s algorithm on demand.
—IEEE Spectrum, 16 Apr. 2024
He could be seen on numerous videos alongside other Proud Boys during the insurrection, dressed in tactical gear, leading chants and wielding the ax handle inside the Capitol.
—Daniel Desrochers, Kansas City Star, 16 Apr. 2024
The latest flare-up of tensions has again raised questions over how much leverage China wields over Iran – and whether Beijing is willing to turn its political capital into influence.
—Nectar Gan, CNN, 15 Apr. 2024
Hiroto has killed all but one of the Turtles, as well as their mentor, Splinter; the remaining Turtle seeks revenge by wielding all four of their signature weapons.
—Adam B. Vary, Variety, 11 Apr. 2024
Orlando wielded power over the board as its president for three decades, while John Spahi served on the board for roughly 18 years.
—James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2024
Trump has also posted a photo of himself wielding a bat at Bragg's head, among other attacks on the district attorney.
—Aysha Bagchi, USA TODAY, 11 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'wield.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near wield
Cite this Entry
“Wield.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wield. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
wield
verb1
: 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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