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hew

verb

ˈhyü How to pronounce hew (audio)
Definition of hewnext
1
as in to mow
to bring down by cutting laboriously hewed trees to build their rude log cabins

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to adhere
to hold to something firmly as if by adhesion decided to hew to the original plan rather than change everything

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 hew Kim’s desk in the family room is hewn from maple with a top made by local ceramic artist Minseon Kim. — Hannah Martin, Architectural Digest, 14 Aug. 2026 The ruins featured an elaborate system of water channels hewn from some three hundred tons of rock, running between a sculpture of a jaguar (or possibly a toad) and an enormous stone receptacle in the shape of a duck. — Kimon De Greef, Longreads, 4 Aug. 2026 The plot hews closely to the Warner Bros film, which starred Prince and was directed by Albert Magnoli. — Patrick Hipes, Deadline, 27 July 2026 The Iranian regime interpreted this as an existential threat and the ceasefire broke down on July 7 when Iran opened fire on vessels hewing closer to the Omani shoreline. — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 18 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for hew
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hew
  1. mow
  2. adhere
  3. fell
  4. stick
  5. cling
Verb
  • Throughout his illness, Gardner’s friends have shown up to help him in various ways, such as mowing his lawn, cooking and delivering groceries.
    — Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Its sap may also irritate the skin, and cutting or mowing the plant may create additional exposure risks.
    — SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of mow
Verb
  • Scatter about half of panko mixture over, pressing in with your hands to adhere.
    — Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Kiko Milano Eyeshadow Stick’s formula fortunately adheres perfectly to the lids.
    — Laura Sandroni, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of adhere
Verb
  • Yet trees that took a millennium to grow can be felled in under an hour.
    — Annika Hammerschlag, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Vines are pulled away from fences, and sometimes trees are even felled.
    — The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Sep. 2026
Definition of fell
Verb
  • Now my guy is stuck in an insane asylum with a doctor who seems downright giddy to try out some electroshock therapy.
    — Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2026
  • With more testy and volatile negotiations sure to come once Johnson presents his full budget proposal next month, the mayor’s $401 million pitch might not stick.
    — Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of stick
Verb
  • The senior Bolsonaro is serving a 27-year sentence under house arrest after being convicted last year for trying to cling to power following that defeat.
    — Constance Malleret, Christian Science Monitor, 23 Sep. 2026
  • James Pantemis stopped two shots for Portland (9-12-5), which is clinging to the ninth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of cling

Phrases Containing hew

Browse Nearby Words

het up
hew
hewed
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Cite this Entry

“Hew.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hew. Accessed 25 Sep. 2026.

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