blunt instrument
noun
: an object without sharp edges or points that is used as a club
He was hit over the head with a blunt instrument.
Examples of blunt instrument in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Ripple’s legal team long argued that the SEC’s strategy wasn’t about upholding the law, but about using it as a blunt instrument.
—
Mackenzie Sigalos,ari Levy, CNBC, 22 Mar. 2025
The gang label has become a blunt instrument—an easy way to strip individuals of their rights.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025
Her boozy, blustering sarcasm should be entered into evidence as a blunt instrument.
—Tom Gliatto, People.com, 20 Mar. 2025
By using tariffs as a blunt instrument, competition is stifled, reducing incentives for American firms to innovate and develop high-quality, low-cost products.
—Christopher S. Tang, Baltimore Sun, 24 Feb. 2025
Firing all probationary employees—which is the most expedient way to reduce the size of government—is a blunt instrument.
—Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 19 Feb. 2025
Decoupling doesn’t have to be a blunt instrument, and its effect on climate change needn’t be all bad.
—Valerie J. Karplus, Foreign Affairs, 19 Mar. 2021
The tariff is a blunt instrument that might be ill-advised because Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has a pretty strong mandate to play hardball.
—Jim Cramer, CNBC, 3 Feb. 2025
Authorities said he was beaten with a blunt instrument, but there were no details about a suspect, the newspaper reported.
—Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 17 Dec. 2024
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Mackenzie Sigalos,ari Levy, CNBC, 22 Mar. 2025
The gang label has become a blunt instrument—an easy way to strip individuals of their rights.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025
Her boozy, blustering sarcasm should be entered into evidence as a blunt instrument.
—Tom Gliatto, People.com, 20 Mar. 2025
By using tariffs as a blunt instrument, competition is stifled, reducing incentives for American firms to innovate and develop high-quality, low-cost products.
—Christopher S. Tang, Baltimore Sun, 24 Feb. 2025
Firing all probationary employees—which is the most expedient way to reduce the size of government—is a blunt instrument.
—Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 19 Feb. 2025
Decoupling doesn’t have to be a blunt instrument, and its effect on climate change needn’t be all bad.
—Valerie J. Karplus, Foreign Affairs, 19 Mar. 2021
The tariff is a blunt instrument that might be ill-advised because Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has a pretty strong mandate to play hardball.
—Jim Cramer, CNBC, 3 Feb. 2025
Authorities said he was beaten with a blunt instrument, but there were no details about a suspect, the newspaper reported.
—Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 17 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Blunt instrument.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blunt%20instrument. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.
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