Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of verb wield

2 senses of wield

Sense 1
wield, exert, maintain -- (have and exercise; "wield power and authority")
       => have, have got, hold -- (have or possess, either in a concrete or an abstract sense; "She has $1,000 in the bank"; "He has got two beautiful daughters"; "She holds a Master's degree from Harvard")

Sense 2
wield, handle, manage -- (handle effectively; "The burglar wielded an axe"; "The young violinist didn't manage her bow very well")
       => manipulate -- (hold something in one's hands and move it)