1
as in slaughtering
to kill on a large scale
the barbarians butchered the monks in the monasteries without mercy
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in fumbling
to make or do (something) in a clumsy or unskillful way
the new piano student butchered the sonatina
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of butchering
ProPublica has chronicled the dark world of pig butchering, in which human traffickers in Asia force their victims to scam people by posing as friends or potential romantic interests.
—
Robert Faturechi, ProPublica, 11 Apr. 2026
While pig butchering operations are veering toward the sophisticated and professional, horrendous abuses persist.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 7 Apr. 2026
By butchering the fish in the restaurant, Hanke reduces the amount of time in which the quality of the fish could deteriorate.
—Lucia Cheng, Des Moines Register, 25 Mar. 2026
At first, the recruits wonder if this is all part of the big test, though when the machine starts butchering them, the sole survivors realise that something else is up.
—Sergio Pereira, Space.com, 11 Mar. 2026
For nearly half a century, Iran has been a thorn in the side of the United States, killing and maiming American soldiers, butchering Israeli citizens, threatening its neighbors and fostering terror around the globe.
—Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 5 Mar. 2026
The same day, a friend sent him an article about pig-butchering schemes.
—Faith Karimi, CNN Money, 29 Nov. 2025
This can include field dressing, skinning, butchering into various cuts and packaging.
—Gabrielle Chenault, Nashville Tennessean, 23 Oct. 2025
However, the miniature accessories didn’t seem to stop a group of humans from felling and butchering the elephant.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 8 Oct. 2025
Robert Faturechi, ProPublica, 11 Apr. 2026
While pig butchering operations are veering toward the sophisticated and professional, horrendous abuses persist.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 7 Apr. 2026
By butchering the fish in the restaurant, Hanke reduces the amount of time in which the quality of the fish could deteriorate.
—Lucia Cheng, Des Moines Register, 25 Mar. 2026
At first, the recruits wonder if this is all part of the big test, though when the machine starts butchering them, the sole survivors realise that something else is up.
—Sergio Pereira, Space.com, 11 Mar. 2026
For nearly half a century, Iran has been a thorn in the side of the United States, killing and maiming American soldiers, butchering Israeli citizens, threatening its neighbors and fostering terror around the globe.
—Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 5 Mar. 2026
The same day, a friend sent him an article about pig-butchering schemes.
—Faith Karimi, CNN Money, 29 Nov. 2025
This can include field dressing, skinning, butchering into various cuts and packaging.
—Gabrielle Chenault, Nashville Tennessean, 23 Oct. 2025
However, the miniature accessories didn’t seem to stop a group of humans from felling and butchering the elephant.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 8 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for butchering
Verb
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Here, up to 20 courses are prepared with ritual precision, from seafood treated with the ikejime (humane fish-slaughtering) method, to rice and wasabi sourced from long-standing Japanese suppliers.—
Rachel Ingram,
Robb Report,
10 May 2026
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Livestock numbers are strictly controlled on Tristan, and the community manages the herd by occasionally slaughtering animals for meat and leather.—
NPR,
NPR,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
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But Chet Holmgren and Cason Wallace hit three-pointers while Smart was fumbling the ball and James and Hachimura were missing shots, while an Oklahoma City 8-0 run eventually gave them another 13-point lead that was never again challenged.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
8 May 2026
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The result leaves nearly every performer fumbling for traction in Serkis and Stoller’s muddy-yet-gutless cinematic sty.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The music is eclectic and often gorgeous, the emotional intensity still capable of blowing all else away.—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
11 May 2026
-
Think of the way the path smells ahead of you, think of the freedom the wind is blowing your way.—
Jill Lepore,
New Yorker,
9 May 2026
Verb
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The story follows a respected college basketball coach who is accused of murdering his mistress.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
12 May 2026
-
Smith was convicted and sentenced to life for murdering her sons.—
Grethel Aguila,
Miami Herald,
12 May 2026
Verb
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Where was Michael Hill, the commissioner’s office executive serving as Team USA’s general manager, while his manager was mangling the stakes of the situation?—
Hannah Keyser,
CNN Money,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Bruce, my sincere apology for 40 years of mangling your songs in the car.—
Mike Fleming Jr,
Deadline,
11 Dec. 2025
Verb
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The duo joined with a third operator, Larry Beck, merging their companies in 1968 and dubbing it Waste Management.—
Bob Goldsborough,
Chicago Tribune,
4 May 2026
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Heck, one agent still harps on me not dubbing one of his clients All-Rookie First Team half a decade ago.—
Fred Katz,
New York Times,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Unchecked homelessness is ruining our cities and communities.—
Kaitlyn Schallhorn,
Oc Register,
4 May 2026
-
Most homeowners are surprised to learn the buzzing nuisance ruining their evenings probably started life just steps from the back door.—
Ryan Brennan
April 30,
Miami Herald,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Giant sheets of plastic hang from the ceiling to separate different areas for destroying things and painting.—
Michael Butler,
Miami Herald,
15 May 2026
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Pests and wood-destroying organisms Charlotte’s warm, humid climate makes termites a year-round threat, not just seasonal.—
Ryan Brennan
May 15,
Charlotte Observer,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Butchering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/butchering. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
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