Definitions

maul

[mawl] / mɔl /

VERB

mangle, abuse

Synonyms

STRONGEST

beat up bludgeon drub lacerate molest mug pummel rough up thrash trample

STRONG

bang bash batter beat buffet claw clean flagellate flail hit hurt ill-treat lash maltreat muscle paste paw pelt pound skin wax whip

WEAK

break face handle roughly knock about knock around lean on let have it put in the hospital take care of work over

Antonyms

STRONGEST

protect

STRONG

aid assist help lose surrender

WEAK

guard maintain take care

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.

Matthews, who is departing Scotstoun this summer for French side Montauban, did what he has done so many times before by finishing off a rolling line-out maul to score.

From BBC • May 8, 2026

Quins had been warned over repeated infringements by referee Luc Ramos and when Will Evans was sin-binned, Sale took full advantage as Cowan-Dickie rumbled over at the back of a line-out maul.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

Leading 27-17 with half-time looming, Ellis Genge was sin-binned after referee Nika Amashukeli ruled the prop had dragged down a maul, soon after two quick penalties had handed momentum back to France.

From BBC • Mar. 16, 2026

Ellis Genge was dispatched to the sin-bin seat of shame in Paris, adjudged to have cynically dragged down a France driving maul that was destined for the line.

From BBC • Mar. 14, 2026

The giant’s pace was a ponderous one, despite the length and girth of those legs, and he was forever stopping to knock snow off low-hanging limbs with his maul.

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin

Vocabulary lists containing maul

The Vocabulary.com Top 1000

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Touching Spirit Bear

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Night

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!