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.

Stevens portrays Dickens at his desk, cudgelling his brains to find the name of the miser for his forthcoming tale.

From The Guardian • Dec. 2, 2017

The contemporary guardians of culture have a habit of cudgelling anyone who might try to use culture for didactic ends or to open a subject up to a mass audience.

From BBC • Jan. 7, 2011

Secretary Mellon wrote a "cudgelling," Are the "good times" so good?

From Time Magazine Archive

And there I was, cudgelling my muddy brains for some excuse, because I thought you were staying in the town.”

From Harley Greenoak's Charge by Mitford, Bertram

But whether it be a play of wits or of actual cudgelling, the element of superiority and inferiority is almost always there.

From The American Mind The E. T. Earl Lectures by Perry, Bliss