1
as in cutting
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in brushing
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
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Recent Examples of shaving
Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
Love the leg-shaving reference.
—Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2026
Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 27 Apr. 2026
Very often, the home seller and listing agent will ask for a very short timeline, removing the financing contingency (the full loan approval), shaving 10 days from the process with a closing in 21 days.
—Jeff Lazerson, Oc Register, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shaving
Noun
While some users questioned the logic behind the move, others were particularly alarmed by the environment in which the shaving took place.
—Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
Love the leg-shaving reference.
—Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2026
Verb
There have been scores of game-fixing and point-shaving scandals, notably involving the 1950 NCAA champion City College of New York, the 1978–79 Boston College men’s basketball team, and, in the 2000s, Arizona State men’s basketball.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 27 Apr. 2026
Very often, the home seller and listing agent will ask for a very short timeline, removing the financing contingency (the full loan approval), shaving 10 days from the process with a closing in 21 days.
—Jeff Lazerson, Oc Register, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shaving
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shaving
Noun
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And if the power unit does require some super clipping, the additional V6 output leaves more power available to keep the car driving, reducing those speed differentials.—
Jonathan M. Gitlin,
ArsTechnica,
11 May 2026
-
Without proper clipping, the plant will look worse for wear and may decrease the visual interest of your garden.—
Jane Kim,
The Spruce,
10 May 2026
Verb
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The back-to-back debates offered plenty of cutting moments as Mayor Karen Bass, Councilmember Nithya Raman and reality television star Spencer Pratt faced off against each other.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 May 2026
-
Porter focused on cutting bureaucracy, calling for a single statewide development permit to streamline approvals and reduce delays.—
Noe Padilla,
USA Today,
9 May 2026
Verb
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In April, O’Reilly’s opener was an unchallenged header in the six-yard box after brushing off Santos.—
Cerys Jones,
New York Times,
13 May 2026
-
The scribble art was placed right in the bend of her knee, with some of the design just barely brushing her lower thigh.—
Kara Nesvig,
Allure,
11 May 2026
Noun
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While the group claims it was formed by splinter factions of the Pakistani Taliban, known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, authorities have accused it of being a front for the TTP.—
Riaz Khan,
Los Angeles Times,
10 May 2026
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Not-so-splendid splinter During a 1976 game against the Dodgers at San Diego Stadium, Padres left-hander Randy Jones was pitching to the Dodgers’ Bill Russell to lead off the seventh inning.—
Kirk Kenney,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
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After making a slew of undrafted free-agent signings, the Broncos are trimming their offseason roster as rookie minicamp kicks off this weekend.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
8 May 2026
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Brian Kemp signs 34 bills, trimming his backlog with days left to act on this year’s legislation.—
Adam Beam,
AJC.com,
6 May 2026
Verb
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On May 12, Colbert sat down with Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Pedro Pascal and wound up kissing both of them on the lips to the delight of his studio audience.—
Brendan Morrow,
USA Today,
13 May 2026
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In another shot, Brittany shared a boomerang of Patrick kissing her on the cheek.—
Skyler Caruso,
PEOPLE,
11 May 2026
Noun
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The peas themselves are piled like cabochons over a thin pastry shell, dressed in a tart citrus vinaigrette and studded with slivers of pickled shallots that deliver bracing little sparks of brine against the crisp sweetness of the legumes.—
Helen Rosner,
New Yorker,
10 May 2026
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This is merely a sliver of the warm welcome Bhatia received on Friday, which saw an impressive second round that thrusted the powerful lefty to one-under-par on the day and minus-4 overall, comfortably in the Top 20 heading into the weekend.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
9 May 2026
Verb
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Red clover stands taller, is less amenable to mowing, and can be short-lived.—
Hallie Milstein,
Southern Living,
13 May 2026
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Avoid mowing in the early morning or mid-day, as wet grass and strong sunlight can harm your lawn.—
Helena Madden,
Martha Stewart,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shaving.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shaving. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
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