gavel

noun

Definition of gavelnext
as in hammer

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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 gavel If the Democrats retake the House in the midterms, Raskin could take the gavel of the House Judiciary Committee, which would also then give him subpoena powers. — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 27 July 2026 As of June 2026, Jerome Powell has handed the gavel to a fresh leader. — Ivan Illan, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 The New York Democrat is in line to take back the Majority Leader’s gavel if Democrats win back the Senate. — Philip Elliott, Time, 23 June 2026 Gaetz was the chief agitator among a group of six far-right Republicans intent on keeping McCarthy from the gavel. — Zak Hudak, CBS News, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for gavel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gavel
  1. hammer
  2. mallet
  3. sledgehammer
  4. cane
  5. baton
Noun
  • The Citrus Heights Police Department said on Monday that officers responded Sunday afternoon to a report of a man running from the mall with a bag and hammer following a robbery at a Kay Jewelers store.
    — Richard Ramos, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Hammerheads stand out from other shark species by the distinctive shape of their heads, which stick out perpendicular to their bodies in the shape of, well, a hammer.
    — Fedor Zarkhin, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of hammer
Noun
  • This makes things all the more disorienting when, near the final act, Greg’s leg is chomped off by an allosaurus mid-mallet-fight, before the dino proceeds to eat him headfirst.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026
  • In this 1970 photo, a 9-year-old Diana is holding a croquet mallet during a game at Itchenor, West Sussex.
    — Giovana Gelhoren, InStyle, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of mallet
Noun
  • With heavy machinery in short supply, a volunteer worker wields a sledgehammer in the search of bodies at the complex.
    — Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • In the ensuing team meeting, both players had to hold a sledgehammer in each hand with their arms straight out.
    — PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of sledgehammer
Noun
  • This is also the time to thin out crowded canes and remove any that are too weak to bear fruit.
    — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2026
  • There is no greater cautionary tale than Australia’s cane toads, whose now 200-million strong population continues to wreak havoc 91 years after being introduced to deal with the country’s cane beetle problem.
    — Jack Bantock, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of cane
Noun
  • The Omaha Police Department said officers will continue to carry tasers, batons, OC spray and firearms.
    — Kathy McCormack, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Under the baton of music director and early music specialist Peter Whelan, the orchestra starts the day with a program featuring court music from Baroque France.
    — Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of baton

Browse Nearby Words

gave in (to)
gavel
gavels
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Cite this Entry

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

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Nglish: Translation of gavel for Spanish Speakers

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