as in cane
a heavy rigid stick used as a weapon or for punishment
guards armed with bludgeons roamed the compound
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
1
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
2
as in to lick
to strike repeatedly
a boxer bludgeoning his opponent
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of bludgeon
Frances Beinecke, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2012
Many California syrahs can be a fruit and alcohol bludgeon to the head, but not this one.
—Jeff Burkhart, The Mercury News, 20 May 2024
James Marsh, Deadline, 10 Jan. 2025
The investigation came after Johnson’s daughter found her mother bludgeoned to death inside her home on Feb. 1, 1991, police said at the time.
—Kc Baker, People.com, 23 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bludgeon
Noun
Pesticides can be valuable tools when used as scalpels, but when they are used as bludgeons, the evolution of resistance often undoes their efficacy.
—Frances Beinecke, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2012
Many California syrahs can be a fruit and alcohol bludgeon to the head, but not this one.
—Jeff Burkhart, The Mercury News, 20 May 2024
Verb
The Prosecutor too often feels more invested in bludgeoning its audience into submission using the tenets of Hong Kong’s rule of law, rather than the iron fists of traditional street justice.
—James Marsh, Deadline, 10 Jan. 2025
The investigation came after Johnson’s daughter found her mother bludgeoned to death inside her home on Feb. 1, 1991, police said at the time.
—Kc Baker, People.com, 23 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bludgeon
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bludgeon
Noun
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Hackman, 95, racked by advanced Alzheimer’s disease, then died in a mudroom on the other side of the house, a cane and sunglasses nearby.—
Nicole Fallert,
USA TODAY,
10 Mar. 2025
-
Think real greenery and houseplants, breezy linens, rattan and cane furnishings and decor, light wood furnishings, and a palette of crisp whites, greens, and warm terracotta tones.—
Cori Sears,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Mar. 2025
Verb
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In response, Trump slapped an equal tariff on imports of scotch whisky (even though the U.K. is no longer part of the E.U.).—
Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
13 Mar. 2025
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The Trump administration last week slapped a 10% tariff on China, doubling taxes on Chinese imports to 20%.—
Max Zahn,
ABC News,
13 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Being licked by the cows and licking them back is a daily occurrence for her.—
Raja Krishnamoorthi,
Newsweek,
13 Mar. 2025
-
Evy was holding an ice cream cone and lowered it so Kinley could lick it.—
Jordan Greene,
People.com,
11 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The incident occurred last Tuesday during a championship meet, as footage showed Everett smashing her baton onto the head of Brookville High School junior Kaelen Tucker during a relay race.—
Jackson Thompson,
Fox News,
14 Mar. 2025
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Video footage shows Everett swinging her baton, appearing to strike Tucker in the head before Tucker drops her baton and runs to the side.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
People.com,
13 Mar. 2025
Verb
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McIlroy only hit four fairways and averaged 294.10 yards off the tee.—
Mark Davis,
Newsweek,
15 Mar. 2025
-
So far, their Blackened Ranch Sauce and Sweet Heat Sauce will hit retailer stores on March 15, while their Mardi Gras Mustard will be on shelves shortly after.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Southern Living,
14 Mar. 2025
Verb
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My heart started pounding a little after Sigmon's lawyer read his final statement.—
Jeffrey Collins,
CBS News,
8 Mar. 2025
-
The overnight barrage -- which also pounded residences and wounded at least 10 people -- came days after the U.S. suspended military aid and intelligence to Ukraine to pressure it into accepting a peace deal being pushed by the Trump administration.—
arkansasonline.com,
arkansasonline.com,
8 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Some bar owners had expressed concerns the program would be mandatory or would be used as a cudgel by the city to force changes to their businesses, but Alldredge stressed the program would be voluntary and would largely consist of things bars and restaurants already do.—
Harrison Mantas,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 Mar. 2025
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Tariffs are considered by many economists a political cudgel — sometimes used in a trade war — and not an efficient framework for international trade.—
John Towfighi,
CNN,
3 Mar. 2025
Verb
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These Cavs maybe aren’t popping champagne for smacking around the New York Knicks, or the Magic, or most of their opponents.—
Joe Vardon,
The Athletic,
26 Feb. 2025
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The only person who could get away with smacking a cigarette out of Dominek's hand was Clara, David said.—
Jackie Charniga,
USA TODAY,
26 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bludgeon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bludgeon. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.
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