wield

verb

wielded; wielding; wields
Synonyms of wield

transitive verb

1
chiefly dialectal : to deal successfully with : manage
2
: to handle (something, such as a tool) especially effectively
wield a broom
3
a
: to exert one's authority by means of
wield influence
b
: to have at one's command or disposal
… did not wield appropriate credentials …G. W. Bonham
wielder noun

Examples of wield in a Sentence

The man was wielding a gun. Can he wield a hammer? He wields a great deal of influence over his students.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Yet that cannot be wielded, either logically or honestly, as an excuse for imposing war on the noble Cuban people. Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 18 May 2026 Ocasio-Cortez herself described her comparatively lighter pace of congressional endorsements this cycle as a departure from the way lawmakers usually wield their clout. Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 15 May 2026 If the party bosses can wield these rules against anyone who challenges their power, then voters do not have fair ballot access. Adam Davis, New York Daily News, 14 May 2026 Even before auditions started, there’s been rampant speculation about who might wield Bond’s Walther PPK, with everyone from Jacob Elordi to Callum Turner and Aaron Taylor-Johnson rumored to be in contention for the role. Brent Lang, Variety, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for wield

Word History

Etymology

Middle English welden to control, from Old English wieldan; akin to Old High German waltan to rule, Latin valēre to be strong, be worth

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of wield was before the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Wield.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wield. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

wield

verb
1
: to put (as a tool) to good use
wield a broom
2
: to use one's authority by means of
wield influence
wielder noun

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