wield
verb (used with object)
to exercise (power, authority, influence, etc.), as in ruling or dominating.
had wielded
-
past perfectof wield.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
Few Americans had wielded more influence in China than Kissinger, whose trip to Beijing in the shadow of the Cold War paved the way for President Nixon’s 1972 visit and the normalization of U.S.-China relations.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 7, 2026
But there was no witness or forensic evidence to back up Hayes’ claim that Smith had wielded or fired a weapon.
From Seattle Times ● Jan. 22, 2024
Unfortunately for Boehner, he also discovered that the speaker’s office no longer afforded him the unmitigated power some of his predecessors had wielded.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 9, 2021
The comedian - full name Louis Szekely - admitted the allegations were true and said he had "wielded power irresponsibly".
From BBC ● Nov. 13, 2017
It was the legendary sword of Gavin, the sword he had wielded in the fierce wars that had almost ripped apart the continent, the sword that had slain the Dark Lord Erawan.
From "Throne of Glass" by Sarah J. Maas
