Thesaurus results for BLUDGEON

bludgeon 1 of 2

noun

ˈblə-jən

Definition of bludgeon

as in cane

a heavy rigid stick used as a weapon or for punishment guards armed with bludgeons roamed the compound

Synonyms & Similar Words

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bludgeon

2 of 2

verb

as in to slap

to deliver a blow to (someone or something) usually in a strong vigorous manner remodelers bludgeoned the wall with a sledgehammer to join the two rooms

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to lick

to strike repeatedly a boxer bludgeoning his opponent

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 bludgeon

Noun

Antiquated federal bureaucracy, bewildering jurisdictional rules and burdensome state taxation bludgeon the spirit of enterprise on tribal lands. — Adam Crepelle, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Nov. 2025 Mamdani’s critics, of course, quickly turned the word into a bludgeon. — John M. Crisp, Mercury News, 12 Nov. 2025

Verb

Back inside the ring, Brock Lesnar defended himself with a steel step, bludgeoning Oba Femi three times. — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026 By bludgeoning the Texas Rangers, 11-2, the Astros secured the regular-season series over their intrastate rival and own the tiebreaker. — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bludgeon

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bludgeon

Noun

As for full-body treatments, the Prickly Pear Sugar Scrub draws on Sonoran Desert botanicals like prickly pear and calendula extract, combined with cane-sugar-rich oils and hydrating body butter, for a thoroughly rejuvenating exfoliation.

— Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2026
That resident could be seen later walking with a cane after taking that leap of faith from his third-floor window.

— Jennifer Bisram, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of cane

Verb

While outlining the details of Clancy's suicide attempt, Reddington slapped a quarter on the table and addressed the prosecutors in what appeared to be a direct challenge to the state.

— Sumiko Corley, NBC news, 27 Aug. 2026
Already, Skubal’s joining in on pregame handshake lines and slapping the dugout railing in time to Roki Sasaki’s warm-up music.

— Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of slap

Verb

That glib self-confidence is present in McNamara, who licks the doughnut glaze off his fingers before offering his hand to the female detective questioning the one living Jason.

— Scott Tobias, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
One act featured two young women sitting on the stage and licking orange Popsicles (yes, that was the whole act).

— Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of lick

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

Verb

Sarajevans still remember his commands to the Serb gunmen pounding the Bosnian capital in early 1992.

— Jovana Gec, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
Deadly landslides struck Southern and Central California, wiping out hillside homes, and powerful waves pounded the state’s shoreline.

— Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of pound

Noun

Just the mere threat of a False Claims Act investigation is a powerful cudgel, lawyers have said.

— Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026
While lawmakers have mostly thrown their backing behind the bill, some are wary of granting the president even more leeway to impose import taxes as a foreign policy cudgel.

— Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 31 July 2026

Definition of cudgel

Verb

The directorial debut of cinematographer Mi Steinbach, Strange Neighbors was shot over three years on Schwarztonnensand, an island and nature preserve on the German Elbe river, smack in the middle of one of Europe’s busiest waterways.

— Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 2026
In last fall’s season-opener, the Irish smacked Chicago Christian 47-6.

— Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of smack

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“Bludgeon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bludgeon. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of bludgeon

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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