1
as in to mow
to bring down by cutting
laboriously hewed trees to build their rude log cabins
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
as in to keep (to)
to give steadfast support to
no longer was able to hew to the party line and so he switched political parties
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
Mackenzie Mays, Los Angeles Times, 27 Nov. 2024
This version hews a little closer to the source and also has the coldest, most clinical take so far, courtesy of Robert Elswit’s gorgeous black-and-white cinematography and Steven Zaillian’s ace direction.
—Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 18 Mar. 2025
In some cases, while working under deadlines and pressure, my language unintentionally hewed too closely to theirs.
—Colleen McCain Nelson, Sacramento Bee, 28 Feb. 2025
Some companies are respectful stewards of a star’s image, hewing as closely as possible to that celebrity’s values.
—Michael Waters, The Atlantic, 6 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for hew
Verb
In 2018, Villaraigosa ran a campaign that hewed toward the middle, focusing on equal access to education, fiscal restraint and his strong record as mayor on supporting law enforcement and protecting the environment.
—Mackenzie Mays, Los Angeles Times, 27 Nov. 2024
This version hews a little closer to the source and also has the coldest, most clinical take so far, courtesy of Robert Elswit’s gorgeous black-and-white cinematography and Steven Zaillian’s ace direction.
—Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 18 Mar. 2025
In some cases, while working under deadlines and pressure, my language unintentionally hewed too closely to theirs.
—Colleen McCain Nelson, Sacramento Bee, 28 Feb. 2025
Some companies are respectful stewards of a star’s image, hewing as closely as possible to that celebrity’s values.
—Michael Waters, The Atlantic, 6 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for hew
Cite this Entry
“Hew.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hew. Accessed 12 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share