Thesaurus results for CUDGELS

cudgels 1 of 2

noun

plural of cudgel

as in batons

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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cudgels

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of cudgel

as in chops

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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 cudgels

Noun

When words lose their original meanings and are repurposed as verbal cudgels, the public sphere becomes a jungle of denunciation, intimidation, and even violence. — Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025 While the conservative pushback and Trump’s cudgels are encouraging some companies to abandon formal DEI policies, analysts say an emphasis on diversity continues and is quietly evolving beneath the surface. — William Becker, The Hill, 11 Aug. 2025 Major events, like football games, are often used as cudgels to force a deal, with both the distributor and broadcaster eager to ensure the events are available to subscribers. — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cudgels

Noun

Authorities are evaluating whether the use of batons and police dogs was excessive.

— ABC News, ABC News, 27 Oct. 2026
Last week, at least 50 people, including 19 police personnel, were injured after police used tear gas, water cannons and batons to disperse garment workers demanding unpaid wages and higher pay in Dhaka’s Uttara area.

— Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of batons

Verb

The dying granny, who chops away at her appendage with a prop hatchet, is played by Lee, sporting a silver wig seemingly fashioned of rope.

— Mark Asch, Variety, 29 Oct. 2026
If Tesla chops between roughly 330 and 425 into that Friday, the short options expire and the remaining December call is carried at a lower basis.

— Michael Khouw, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of chops

Noun

Light trimming, staking and tying Damaged canes make roses more susceptible to disease.

— Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Nov. 2026
For sighted individuals, the exhibits help provide context to the experiences of others, like an area with canes used by the blind on different types of flooring.

— Caroline Eubanks, Southern Living, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of canes

Verb

With runners on the corners, Martinez whacks a two-run, RBI double to tie it at five.

— Zoe Collins Rath, Austin American Statesman, 27 Mar. 2026
Then little Holly Wheeler and her 10-year-old friends, including the Season 5 favorite Derek (Jake Connelly), all swarm into the basement and take over the D&D table in a passing of the torch that basically whacks the audience over our collective heads.

— Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 31 Dec. 2025

Definition of whacks

Verb

Tailored trousers kept the outfit polished, while paisley socks beneath leather wedge pumps gave it a tongue-in-cheek finish.

— Minty Mellon, Vogue, 22 Sep. 2026
Lest someone try to squish the existing MoMA x Nike socks into the split-toe, collaborative tabi socks will also release alongside the sneakers.

— Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of socks

Verb

Guests learned about red panda conservation and were able to support the zoo’s red pandas through special animal adoption boxes available for purchase.

— Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 25 Sep. 2026
Pack in a picnic lunch from Ventura’s Harbor Cove Cafe, which boxes up sandwiches and snacks for visitors to the Channel Islands.

— Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 27 Aug. 2026