1
as in cuts
to make (something) shorter or smaller with the use of a cutting instrument
he always shaves most of his hair off when the weather starts getting warmer
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in brushes
to pass lightly across or touch gently especially in passing
just shaved the concrete post as the car turned the corner
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 shaves
Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2026
For beard trims and shaves, go to Pisterzi in Soho.
—The Editors, Curbed, 16 Apr. 2026
In the first episode back, Cranston stands completely nude as Kaczmarek’s Lois shaves his back and nether regions.
—ABC News, 8 Apr. 2026
The Echo Spot shaves it down even further to a half-sphere and adds a handy little touch screen for visual information.
—K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 31 Mar. 2026
Perhaps this shaves off sharp edges around any conversation.
—Simon Hughes, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026
One of the highlights is the bread cart rolled out at the beginning of the meal, right after the waiter shaves off a roll of unctuous French butter from a huge golden mound.
—Penny E Schwartz, Oc Register, 1 Mar. 2026
After consultations with superiors, the jail superintendent has sent for a barber, who shaves the man gently, making sure to clear the fuzz from his earlobes.
—Literary Hub, 20 Feb. 2026
In his 1939 version, William Wyler shaves away huge chunks of the story.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
The decision to move elections to November shaves several months off the existing terms of the mayor, vice mayor and commissioners.
—Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2026
For beard trims and shaves, go to Pisterzi in Soho.
—The Editors, Curbed, 16 Apr. 2026
In the first episode back, Cranston stands completely nude as Kaczmarek’s Lois shaves his back and nether regions.
—ABC News, 8 Apr. 2026
The Echo Spot shaves it down even further to a half-sphere and adds a handy little touch screen for visual information.
—K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 31 Mar. 2026
Perhaps this shaves off sharp edges around any conversation.
—Simon Hughes, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026
One of the highlights is the bread cart rolled out at the beginning of the meal, right after the waiter shaves off a roll of unctuous French butter from a huge golden mound.
—Penny E Schwartz, Oc Register, 1 Mar. 2026
After consultations with superiors, the jail superintendent has sent for a barber, who shaves the man gently, making sure to clear the fuzz from his earlobes.
—Literary Hub, 20 Feb. 2026
In his 1939 version, William Wyler shaves away huge chunks of the story.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 13 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shaves
Verb
-
In general, electrification cuts energy costs, removes the volatility of fuel prices, and builds more resilient operations.—
Justin Worland,
Time,
29 May 2026
-
Tens of thousands of jobs cuts across the industry have increased competition for open spots.—
Lisa Eadicicco,
CNN Money,
28 May 2026
Verb
-
Bryce Harper, star slugger, the Phillie Phanatic's best friend, and baseball hero to children of all ages, brushes his teeth.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
28 May 2026
-
These stocks have climbed for weeks as the market brushes off the narrative that AI is a threat to the cybersecurity industry.—
Morgan Chittum,Matthew J. Belvedere,
CNBC,
27 May 2026
Verb
-
For 2026, the hybrid is offered in LXS, EX, SX, and SX Prestige trims.—
Michael Harley,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2026
-
The 2026 model, with only minor changes from 2025, is available in Premiere, Reserve and Black Label trims.—
James Raia,
Mercury News,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
Sofia Carson blows kisses to the camera during the amfAR Gala Cannes 2026 at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc on May 21.—
People Staff,
PEOPLE,
25 May 2026
-
According to legend, anyone who kisses it will be granted the gift of gab.—
Patricia Doherty,
Travel + Leisure,
22 May 2026
Verb
-
This compact tote folds into a small pouch that clips directly onto your keys and expands into a functional bag when needed.—
Corein Carter,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2026
-
Joe Rodon clips a pass over the top of the Brentford defence for Calvert-Lewin to contest.—
Beren Cross,
New York Times,
25 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Watching the chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation rip Tom Skerritt’s character to shreds on live TV would make for extremely spicy viewing.—
Eric Berger & Lee Hutchinson,
ArsTechnica,
31 May 2026
-
Angie is made more complex inside a later version, who is bruised and angry, ready to rip any and everyone to shreds.—
David John Chávez,
Mercury News,
29 May 2026
Verb
-
Those who are approved will receive a total of 18 free lawn mows from April through October, a set number each month, with no further scheduling or calls needed, according to an email from the city.—
Aurora Beacon-News,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Feb. 2026
-
With its 5Ah battery, the Goat mows over 5,000 square feet per charge and gets back to work after just 45 minutes of charging.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
4 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The nonalcoholic Racine is designed entirely around roots—ginger, vetiver, turmeric, liquorice—while the Feuille cocktail focuses solely on leaves, blending mint, blue spirulina, blackcurrant bud, aloe vera, and patchouli.—
Lane Nieset,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 June 2026
-
What grabbed my attention were the intriguing, foot-long violet flower clusters known as panicles hanging amidst the slender, dark green leaves.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
4 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shaves.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shaves. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
