Thesaurus results for CUDGEL

cudgel 1 of 2

noun

ˈkə-jəl

Definition of cudgel

as in cane

a heavy rigid stick used as a weapon or for punishment a farmer armed with a cudgel drove us off his land

Synonyms & Similar Words

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cudgel

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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 cudgel

Noun

The sports question has become a political cudgel for Republicans with an eye on growing divisions among Democrats over stances on certain transgender issues that polls show are unpopular with a majority of voters. — Simon Montlake, Christian Science Monitor, 30 June 2026 The measure’s main backer is the SEIU United Health Workers West, whose president, Dave Regan, has a long track record of using ballot measures as a cudgel to win concessions from labor adversaries. — Evelyn Ronan, Sacbee.com, 23 June 2026

Verb

Bruce Springsteen was standing up to the president, while universities and law firms were being cudgeled and cowed. — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 23 Mar. 2026 Hitler exploited his 37% to gridlock legislative processes, to cudgel or crush the political opposition, and ultimately to undermine the country’s democratic structures. — Timothy Ryback, TIME, 26 Apr. 2024 See All Example Sentences for cudgel

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cudgel

Noun

There were taro patches and gardens planted with banana, sweet potato, sugar cane, noni, and more.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
This integrated plant uses BDO (butanediol), an important ingredient made from sugar cane, to provide raw materials for textiles, footwear, packaging and automotive industries.

— Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of cane

Verb

In Northwestern’s first game at Ryan Field, Chip Kelly’s offense bludgeoned Matt Campbell’s 3-2 Penn State with 413 rushing yards, part of a 34-13 show by the 3-1 Wildcats.

— Jason Kirk, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026
The crime shocked the community for its brutality, as both Andrew and Abby were bludgeoned to death, and its boldness, occurring in the middle of the day on a busy street.

— Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of bludgeon

Verb

Holder clouted Chameera for three sixes in four deliveries to end the 19th and leave West Indies needing six runs for victory.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 June 2026
The 'merch hauls' on social media are awful, the desperate pathetic influencers trying to clout chase using the Masters are all awful.

— Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 13 Apr. 2026

Definition of clout

Verb

Bass assailed Raman over the video, accusing the councilmember of calling the city’s police officers fascist liars.

— David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
Hundreds of diplomats filed out as Netanyahu approached the lectern from where leaders of France, Brazil, and the UK assailed Israel this week.

— Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of assail

Verb

In all, the Dodgers drowned out that horrible tomahawk chop with some mighty hacks of their own, winning 3-1 while finally displaying some of the desperation that had been missing.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
Using the side of a chef’s knife, mash and chop together until well combined, then continue working mixture, holding knife blade at an angle, until a smooth paste forms.

— Rick Martinez, Bon Appetit Magazine, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of chop

Verb

When the game resumed, families in the stands celebrated each time a child managed to whack the ball.

— Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026
But every season thus far — not only including but especially this one — has concluded as a perverse, whack, and certainly damning portrait of American war games in an era of steep imperial decline.

— Andy Andersen, Vulture, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of whack

Browse Nearby Words

cuddy

cudgel

cudgeled

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Style

“Cudgel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cudgel. Accessed 8 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of cudgel

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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Synonyms of cudgel

noun

verb

Example Sentences

Phrases Containing cudgel

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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