cleaver

noun

Definition of cleavernext
as in knife
a heavy implement with a wide sharp blade used for cutting up large pieces of meat

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 cleaver Calvin Sharp killed Molina with a meat cleaver in August 2007. — Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024 Trump voters loved the idea of Elon Musk taking a meat cleaver to the federal government. — Alan Ohnsman, Forbes, 10 Feb. 2025 Additionally, inspectors said, knives and cleavers were being stored between tables on an unclean surface. — Camila Pedrosa, Sacramento Bee, 17 Jan. 2025 Clusters of cleavers grew around the pond that fronted the main house. — Nicolette Polek, Harper's Magazine, 2 Apr. 2024 See All Example Sentences for cleaver
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cleaver
  1. knife
  2. cutter
  3. machete
  4. dagger
Noun
  • In the dead of night, Natalie — with a knife in hand — quietly sneaks toward the animal pen, where Travis (Kevin Alves) is standing guard.
    — Michaela Zee, Variety, 14 Mar. 2025
  • For clean cuts when portioning, dip the knife or bench scaper in flour before slicing.
    — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of knife
Noun
  • The shifting dynamics are analogous in many ways to the relationship between cutters and tailors, says Ji.
    — Caroline Reilly, Robb Report, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Their ability to identify cutters has been off, too.
    — Tony East, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of cutter
Noun
  • Ortega’s accomplice, who is still being sought, threatened the victim with a machete before running off with the victim’s laptop, wallet, credit cards, and cell phone, officials said.
    — Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 20 Mar. 2025
  • An Islamist group linked to Islamic State called the AFD is feared to have beheaded the victims with machetes in the province of North Kivu, highlighting the violence against Christians in some parts of the globe.
    — Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Mar. 2025
Definition of machete
Noun
  • With just over two minutes left, Tatum knocked down a dagger three pointer to extend the lead to 105-95.
    — Jacob Lev, CNN, 8 Mar. 2025
  • And a five-hole dagger of a lamp-lighter to cement the Sailors’ 4-2 Class 4A title victory over Glenwood Springs, giving the school its first team championship since 1998.
    — Kyle Newman, The Denver Post, 3 Mar. 2025
Definition of dagger

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Cite this Entry

“Cleaver.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cleaver. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cleaver

Nglish: Translation of cleaver for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cleaver

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