Synonyms of peel

peel 1 of 3

verb (1)

ˈpēl 

as in to husk

to remove the natural covering of

she peels apples with lightning speed

Synonyms & Similar Words

• husk
• strip
• skin
• shuck
• bark
• hull
• expose
• scale
• shell
• bare
• flay
• pare
• denude

peel (off)

2 of 3

verb (2)

as in to remove

to rid oneself of (a garment)

peeled off the wet clothes and tossed them over the shower rod

Synonyms & Similar Words

• remove
• kick (off)
• put off
• take off
• shrug off
• doff
• shed
• strip
• douse
• husk
• undress
• disrobe

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• throw (on)
• put on
• slip (into)
• don
• wear
• array
• rig
• apparel
• suit
• dress
• clothe
• attire
• garb
• robe
• bedeck

peel off

3 of 3

verb (3)

as in to move

to leave a place often for another

it's rude to peel off like that without thanking your host

Synonyms & Similar Words

• move
• exit
• depart
• get
• go
• get off
• pull out
• walk out
• push off
• run along
• cut out
• bail out
• go off
• dig out
• push on
• clear off
• clear out
• shove (off)
• evacuate
• escape
• take off
• step (along)
• start
• beat it
• sally (forth)
• flee
• part
• pike (out or off)
• bail
• quit
• bugger off
• buzz (off)
• bug off
• bug out
• pack (up or off)
• fly
• take a powder
• take a hike
• set out
• hit the road
• book
• strike out
• pull stakes
• withdraw
• retire
• get out
• begone
• run away
• retreat
• emigrate
• skip
• scarper
• step out
• go out
• vamoose
• remove
• light out
• abandon
• desert
• abscond
• vacate
• forsake
• scram
• decamp
• scat
• adjourn
• mizzle

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• come
• show up
• arrive
• remain
• stay
• turn up
• settle
• dwell
• abide
• close
• approach
• reach
• hit
• lodge
• land
• tarry
• near

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of peel

Verb

After playing a series of news clips explaining that the new coating in the pool is now peeling off. — Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 23 June 2026

Simply peel off the leftover garlic from the press and toss both the press and the peeler in the dishwasher when you're done. — Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 23 June 2026

Could either city peel off enough Stars fans to sustain viable support for a full season? — John Cassillo, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026

The costs ballooned, there’s a massive algae bloom, the new paint is peeling off, and dead ducks were found this weekend in and near the water. — Amber Phillips, Washington Post, 23 June 2026

Phrases Containing peel

• peel (off)
• peel off