cudgel

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The administration again turned to trade as a tool to achieve various aims and as a cudgel.

From Barron's • Mar. 4, 2026

But some experts say such fees cannot be used as a cudgel to punish players that break a contract and transfer.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 24, 2025

Nor should it be used as a cudgel, like “The Little List” in “The Mikado.”

From MarketWatch • Dec. 8, 2025

Black abolitionists such as James Forten and Lemuel Haynes almost immediately began using the Declaration’s stirring language as a cudgel against slavery.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 16, 2025

To let the world shape your desire and love into a cudgel with which to drive you back into a cave of fear.

From "Beauty Queens" by Libba Bray