truncheon

noun

ˈtrən-chən How to pronounce truncheon (audio)
Definition of truncheonnext
as in cane
a heavy rigid stick used as a weapon or for punishment police officers kept their hands on their truncheons

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 truncheon For the Civil Rights Movement, Alabama troopers lifting truncheons to beat marchers crossing Selma's Edmund Pettus Bridge. — Susan Page, USA Today, 29 Aug. 2025 Even the basic concept of free speech has become another truncheon in the nation’s ongoing battle between tribes. — Steven Greenhut, Orange County Register, 2 Mar. 2025 There were police with truncheons and tear gas outside the ground. — Roshane Thomas, The Athletic, 13 Feb. 2025 Later, after riot police used truncheons and tear gas to disperse the people, demonstrators set up tent camps with barricades, self-defense units, and banners with revolutionary slogans. — Hanna Arhirova, The Christian Science Monitor, 21 Nov. 2023 See All Example Sentences for truncheon
Recent Examples of Synonyms for truncheon
  1. cane
  2. baton
Noun
  • Capers used his rifle like a cane and limped along, blood sloshing in his jungle boots.
    — Ethan Rocke, Charlotte Observer, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The mini bar—located inside a gorgeous wooden cabinet—was filled with local spirits like pox, a Mayan liquor made of corn, sugar cane, and wheat, and Mayalen Guerrero mezcal in a bottle so beautiful I was tempted to sneak it back in my suitcase.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of cane
Noun
  • But the band fury is as climactic as anything that could be done continuing to have the full ensemble play… and Dudamel looked happy enough to put his baton down, turn around and just watch the group play for a few minutes.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The Omaha Police Department said officers will continue to carry tasers, batons, OC spray and firearms.
    — Kathy McCormack, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of baton

Browse Nearby Words

truncating
truncheon
truncheons
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Cite this Entry

“Truncheon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/truncheon. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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