wield

verb

ˈwēld

wielded; wielding; wields

Synonyms of wield

transitive verb

chiefly dialectal : to deal successfully with : manage

: to handle (something, such as a tool) especially effectively

wield a broom

: to exert one's authority by means of

wield influence

: 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.

What makes this emptiness more bothersome is the cavalier way Wingard wields the imagery of rogue, militarized killers wreaking havoc on the American landscape. — Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026 That image of Spears in jaw-dropping form, wielding a magnetic stare, and commanding not just the stage but the entire world watching at home defined the singer’s peak as a performer. — Bianca Betancourt, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026 In an attempt to justify the shooting, Castro allegedly told investigators he was brutally assaulted by multiple individuals wielding tools, claiming he was hit with a broom and a snow shovel during the confrontation. — Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026 Rendering examines how artificial intelligence is disrupting the entertainment industry, taking you inside key battlegrounds and spotlighting change-makers wielding the technology for good and ill. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 3 Sep. 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

See more words from the same century

Browse Nearby Words

Wieland

wield

wielder

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Wield.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wield. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

wield

verb

ˈwē(ə)ld

: to put (as a tool) to good use

wield a broom

: to use one's authority by means of

wield influence

wielder noun

wield

verb

Synonyms of wield

Examples of wield in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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wield

verb

Synonyms of wield

Examples of wield in a Sentence

Word History

Rhymes for wield

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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