cudgel 1 of 2

noun

ˈkə-jəl How to pronounce cudgel (audio)
Definition of cudgelnext
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

2 of 2

verb

as in to bludgeon

Related 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 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
  1. cane
  2. bludgeon
  3. baton
  4. clout
  5. assail
  6. chop
  7. smack
  8. whack
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
  • She would soon be bludgeoned to death by fellow soldier, Aaron David Robinson.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The sound stage felt bludgeoned into submission throughout, as the intense distortion of bass, percussion and guitars made the instrument separation within the mix almost inaudible.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of bludgeon
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
  • 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
  • Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, whose administration was widely assailed for its desultory initial response, has made high-profile appearances in La Guaira.
    — Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • No two tales of what happened to Maelor after his knight protector was shot dead agree, but the young boy was also slain on the bridge, perhaps torn apart by the mob who assailed him, arguing over what to do with the young prince.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of assail
Verb
  • His first came after he was released down the flank by Semenyo, carrying the ball forward before chopping inside and hammering a shot straight at Nick Pope.
    — Thom Harris, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Florida chef Elijah Button was chopping onions in June when his knife slipped and sliced his middle finger to the bone.
    — Ali Swenson, Fortune, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of chop
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
Verb
  • There are frightening stories of swordfish charging boats, and even spearing their transoms and whacking propellers.
    — Bob McNally, Outdoor Life, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The Miami Dolphins rookie had shed his block and began pursuing Jameis Winston, reaching the New York Giants’ backup quarterback in time to whack him good with a legal hit.
    — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of whack

Phrases Containing cudgel

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cuddy
cudgel
cudgeled
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Cite this Entry

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

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