cleaver

noun

Definition of cleavernext
as in knife
a heavy implement with a wide sharp blade used for cutting up large pieces of meat

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of cleaver The Los Angeles Times reported that Sharp is the son of Calvin Sharp, who pleaded guilty to the 2007 killing of a 6-year-old boy with a meat cleaver. — Christine Pelisek, PEOPLE, 3 Apr. 2026 Critics say the law attempts to do this carving with a cleaver. — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 9 Mar. 2026 The Ronald Reagan Building, added in 1998, looks a bit like a stumpy meat cleaver. — Philip Kennicott, Washington Post, 20 Feb. 2026 No need to bust out the cleaver. — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cleaver
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cleaver
  1. knife
  2. cutter
  3. machete
  4. dagger
Noun
  • Metcalf pushed Anthony, according to witnesses, who said Anthony then pulled out a knife and stabbed him in the chest.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The white cross with red surround has long been a sacred badge in the world of knives, indicating the timeless dependability and versatility of the Swiss Army knife.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of knife
Noun
  • First, prep your sandwich with any fillings, then place it into the cutter to cut and seal in one step.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Axelrod suggested Melton try throwing his cutter more like a four-seam fastball, with a slight offset on the grip.
    — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of cutter
Noun
  • The impossible-to-murder pair chase each other with a machete, shotgun, and chainsaw throughout the fantastically campy film, which pays homage to the classics like Death Becomes Her.
    — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Gay then allegedly returned to his vehicle and came back with a machete in its sheath.
    — Natasha Holt, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of machete
Noun
  • True to form, Bladee’s daggers land with a delivery as sweet and honeyed as mead in his ethereal voice.
    — Vogue, Vogue, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The dagger goal with which Gotham FC sunk the record-breaking KC Current in 2025 was out of the second phase of a set piece.
    — Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026
Definition of dagger

Browse Nearby Words

cleaved (to)
cleaver
cleavers
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cleaver.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cleaver. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cleaver

Nglish: Translation of cleaver for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cleaver

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