double-edged

adjective

dou·​ble-edged ˌdə-bəl-ˈejd How to pronounce double-edged (audio)
Synonyms of double-edgednext
1
: having two cutting edges
a double-edged knife
2
a
: having two components or aspects
a spy with a double-edged mission
b
: capable of being taken in two ways
a double-edged remark

Synonyms

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Examples of double-edged in a Sentence

the double-edged purpose of the sales promotion is to clear out existing stock and to attract new customers her double-edged remark that she hoped that I ultimately got what I deserved
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Putin boasts of Russia’s record-low 2.3% unemployment rate, but this sword is double-edged. — Christian Edwards, CNN, 26 Jan. 2025 For Eisenberg’s film, the decision is double-edged: from the perspective of the characters, exceptional demands are placed on the dialogue to make their past come to life, but the dialogue isn’t sufficiently rich or imaginative to meet the challenge. — Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 5 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of double-edged was in the 15th century

Rhymes for double-edged

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Browse Nearby Words

double edge
double-edged
double-edged sword
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Cite this Entry

“Double-edged.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/double-edged. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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