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
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as in to bludgeon
Synonyms & Similar Words
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of cudgel
Steven Lee Myers, New York Times, 10 Aug. 2024
The decision is also a political cudgel for Kari Lake, Gallego’s Republican opponent, who has trashed him for weeks over a divorce that began shortly before Kate Gallego gave birth to their son.
—Ronald J. Hansen, The Arizona Republic, 16 Oct. 2024
Timothy Ryback, TIME, 26 Apr. 2024
Before long, fairs had such attractions as cudgelling bouts, bearbaiting, and something called gouging.
—Zach Helfand, The New Yorker, 14 Aug. 2023
See all Example Sentences for cudgel 
Noun
Russia, too, has used immigration as a cudgel in its propaganda in Europe, amplifying incidents and protests, including the recent unrest in Britain, through its state media and covert bot networks.
—Steven Lee Myers, New York Times, 10 Aug. 2024
The decision is also a political cudgel for Kari Lake, Gallego’s Republican opponent, who has trashed him for weeks over a divorce that began shortly before Kate Gallego gave birth to their son.
—Ronald J. Hansen, The Arizona Republic, 16 Oct. 2024
Verb
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
Before long, fairs had such attractions as cudgelling bouts, bearbaiting, and something called gouging.
—Zach Helfand, The New Yorker, 14 Aug. 2023
See all Example Sentences for cudgel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cudgel
Noun
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Hard freezes, ice, and snow will damage or break canes, making plants more susceptible to pests and disease.Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 18 Dec. 2024
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The age this particular persona is supposed to represent remains ambiguous in the scene, but the Jackal uses a cane and maintains a sense of frailty in his body, both of which contribute to another visual iteration of geriatric Redmayne.Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 28 Nov. 2024
Verb
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Several hours later, she was found dead in her own home – bludgeoned and strangled.Erin Moriarty, CBS News, 21 Dec. 2024
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The body of 17-year-old Esther Gonzalez was found dumped in packed snow off Highway 243 in Banning, California, in 1979, and after an investigation, detectives determined the teen had been raped and bludgeoned to death.Greg Wehner, Fox News, 25 Nov. 2024
Noun
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Pelosi has remained a major political force in the Democratic Party even after handing the Democratic baton in the House to Brooklyn Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, who recently won a second two-year term as minority leader.Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 13 Dec. 2024
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Police were able to view surveillance footage from the hospital that showed a man wearing a police-style belt that included a firearm, three magazines, a baton, medical kit and pouches for handcuffs and O.C. spray, according to the warrant affidavit.Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 5 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Kerry Carpenter clouted a key home run for the Detroit Tigers and Cole Ragans has pitched two terrific games for the Kansas City Royals among younger players stepping up.Chuck Murr, Forbes, 9 Oct. 2024
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Not since the former Yankee slugger clouted three home runs in a World Series game against the Dodgers in 1977 has Jackson done more with a pitch in the strike zone.Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 22 June 2024
Verb
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The big picture: The report marks a 90% increase in deportations from 2023 even as Republicans assailed President Biden as weak on the border throughout the election.Sareen Habeshian, Axios, 19 Dec. 2024
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Maglev proponents would gladly assail our environmental justice communities for a project that for us brings much more pain than gain.Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 4 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Here are a few popular rich holiday foods and some healthier alternatives to try instead: Sugary desserts like pies, cakes, and cookies: Try swapping these for fruit salad, a yogurt parfait with low-sugar granola and chopped fresh fruit, or desserts made with a no-calorie sweetener.Johna Burdeos, Health, 17 Dec. 2024
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Place chopped pecans on a baking sheet, and roast in preheated oven until nutty and fragrant, about 8 minutes.Micah A Leal, Southern Living, 17 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Look for the alcohol content — lower proof whiskeys can be easier for newcomers while higher proof versions can smack you in the face a bit harder.Paul Feinstein, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Dec. 2024
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The old chief attempted to do a special review of Bitcoin miners but got smacked down by a federal court.Brady Dale, Axios, 17 Dec. 2024
Verb
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With all protective layers working, Norton whacked every ransomware sample.PCMAG, PCMAG, 27 Nov. 2024
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Supporters argue that the bonds are necessary because the state recently whacked about $10 billion in spending on environmental programs.Andre Mouchard, Orange County Register, 5 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near cudgel
Cite this Entry
“Cudgel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cudgel. Accessed 31 Dec. 2024.
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