fleece 1 of 2

noun

ˈflēs How to pronounce fleece (audio)
Definition of fleecenext
as in wool
the hairy covering of a mammal especially when fine, soft, and thick learning how to shear the fleece off a sheep

Synonyms & Similar Words

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fleece

2 of 2

verb

as in to cheat
to rob by the use of trickery or threats swindlers who use the telephone to fleece senior citizens out of their savings

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of fleece
Noun
The crowd skews toward couples and grown families in fleece, denim, and sneakers, here for quiet quality time or days packed with adventure. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026 Offering pajama-level fleece comfort in a more refined, elevated silhouette, the Kira Wide-leg Sweatpants deserve a spot in your airport outfit rotation for your next getaway and beyond. — Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 11 Aug. 2026
Verb
At his sentencing in 2024, Bailyn, the prosecutor, described Lorquet as a greedy criminal who fleeced his country at one of its weakest moments in history. — Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 8 June 2026 Detective John Bolden, 47, a 20-year NYPD veteran who retired from the force in October, schemed to fleece the federal Paycheck Protection Program, which offered loans to small businesses forced to close or at risk of closing during the COVID pandemic. — John Annese, New York Daily News, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for fleece
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fleece
  1. wool
  2. cheat
  3. hair
  4. squeeze
  5. pluck
  6. sting
  7. hustle
  8. stick
Noun
  • The weather was hot, but King was dressed in several wool sweaters, sweating profusely.
    — Laura Preston, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026
  • If your layout isn’t conducive to an L-shape, the chaise-less silhouette in a wool boucle is also over $200 off (with the also marked down matching ottoman available to add on).
    — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of wool
Verb
  • Written and rendered by dudes who longed for unlimited success, these are songs about cheating and being cheated on and trying but failing to be content, or love as lived amid capitalist indulgence.
    — Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Cheaters gonna cheat The first step was creating a message board that allowed the agents to pass notes to each other.
    — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of cheat
Noun
  • Redmond noted that the retailer is also bringing in some K-beauty as part of the new assortment, and is increasing its penetration in hair care too.
    — Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Scalp massages increase blood flow to the area, which can significantly promote hair growth.
    — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of hair
Verb
  • These portable, lightweight bands squeeze easily into a suitcase and can be used to add resistance to body weight exercises.
    — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Job seekers in South Florida are navigating a tricky mix of stubborn inflation, high interest rates and an AI shift that’s squeezing entry-level hiring.
    — Jessica Lipscomb, Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of squeeze
Verb
  • The Muir swivel chair in oxblood velvet feels plucked out of a Hollywood Regency–style boutique hotel lobby.
    — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Even in high school, Lane could effortlessly pluck a ball out of the air with either hand.
    — Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of pluck
Verb
  • As a young Black woman, the betrayal stung as much as a rejection by any guy.
    — Sarah Jones, Vogue, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The bugs, particularly ticks, ants, mosquitoes and stinging insects, are going to take full advantage thanks to warmer temperatures, according to the National Pest Management Associations (NPMA)'s biannual Bug Barometer®.
    — Alora Bopray, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of sting
Verb
  • Jake Mangum singled to left but rookie Joshua Baez misplayed it and then didn’t hustle after it.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Officers hustled the residents, including the children, out of the home, while Walsh and the second officer found the suspect hiding in a bathroom.
    — Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of hustle
Verb
  • After being stuck open in the rain, fans cheered when the roof closed.
    — Rebecca Tauber, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Those drivers’ days (and lives) were rattled far more than those stuck in the backup behind them.
    — Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of stick

Browse Nearby Words

flee
fleece
fleeced
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Cite this Entry

“Fleece.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fleece. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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