wedge
4 synonyms and 0 antonyms for wedge, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A piece of material, thick at one end and tapering to a thin edge, used to split, tighten, or lever things apart.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use wedge
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English weċġ ("wedge"), from a Proto-Germanic root for the same shape of tool.
Full origin of wedge →Frequently asked questions
What does “wedge” mean?
The word “wedge” means a piece of material, thick at one end and tapering to a thin edge, used to split, tighten, or lever things apart. In plain terms, a tapered object used for splitting or jamming things apart, or figuratively something that drives two sides apart.
How do you pronounce “wedge”?
“Wedge” is pronounced wehj (/wɛd͡ʒ/ in IPA).
How do you use “wedge” in a sentence?
Here is “wedge” used in a sentence: “He hammered a wedge into the log to split it in two.”
What is another word for “wedge”?
Words with a similar meaning to “wedge” include turned v.
What part of speech is “wedge”?
Depending on how it is used, “wedge” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “wedge” come from?
The word “wedge” comes from Old English. From Old English weċġ ("wedge"), from a Proto-Germanic root for the same shape of tool.
Is “wedge” a common word?
“Wedge” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “wedge” have?
“Wedge” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a piece of material, thick at one end and tapering to a thin edge, used to split, tighten, or lever things apart.
What is the difference between a wedge and a chock?
A wedge is a piece of material, thick at one end and tapering to a thin edge, used to split, tighten, or lever things apart. A chock is a similar tapered block, but it is specifically used to prevent something like a wheel from moving, making it a narrower use case within the broader idea of a wedge.
What does it mean to describe something as a wedge between people?
Used figuratively, a wedge is something that creates a division or growing gap between people or things, as in "the disagreement drove a wedge between the friends." This sense extends the physical idea of splitting apart to relationships or groups.
Can wedge be used as a verb?
Yes, to wedge means to force something tightly into a narrow space, as in "she wedged the door open with a book." This verb use draws directly on the tapering shape of a physical wedge.