1
as in to shave
to make (something) shorter or smaller with the use of a cutting instrument
it took almost a week to shear all the wool off the flock of sheep
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to slit
to penetrate with a sharp edge (as a knife)
the shark's razor-sharp teeth sheared the swimmer's flesh right down to the bone
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 shear
The tiny leaves are easily sheared and sculpted into any shape.
—
Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 26 Aug. 2025
The military truck towered over the civilian car, its armored plating intact while the SUV's side was sheared in.
—Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Aug. 2025
Bob had his cheek welded onto the factory plastic, fists gripped to the window frame, all of his pale hair sheared back by the drag.
—Literary Hub, 13 Aug. 2025
Both processes require thermal energy to heat the machines and materials and mechanical energy to shear or mix the materials (and, in the case of traditional extrusion, to push them through a die).
—IEEE Spectrum, 2 June 2018
See All Example Sentences for shear
Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 26 Aug. 2025
The military truck towered over the civilian car, its armored plating intact while the SUV's side was sheared in.
—Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Aug. 2025
Bob had his cheek welded onto the factory plastic, fists gripped to the window frame, all of his pale hair sheared back by the drag.
—Literary Hub, 13 Aug. 2025
Both processes require thermal energy to heat the machines and materials and mechanical energy to shear or mix the materials (and, in the case of traditional extrusion, to push them through a die).
—IEEE Spectrum, 2 June 2018
See All Example Sentences for shear
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shear
Verb
-
Another unit in Tsuen Wan, a residential neighborhood in the New Territories, was sold at a loss of $142,000, shaving 40% off the original price, according to local news reports.—
Chris Lau,
CNN Money,
31 Oct. 2025
-
Come to see Stone get her head shaved, stay for big laughs, darkly incisive commentary, and incredible performances from Stone, Plemons, and newcomer Aidan Delbis in this absurdist black comedy.—
EW Staff,
Entertainment Weekly,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The killer slit Catherine's throat with a razor so severely that her head was nearly severed before striking them both with an axe, per the Times-Picayune.—
Emily Blackwood,
PEOPLE,
2 Nov. 2025
-
The next morning, when Morse arrived for work, Nicholson stabbed her repeatedly and slit her throat before placing her body inside a large plastic bin in the kitchen pantry, according to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The veteran coach believes the solution to the problem is to cut some games off the 82-game schedule, a view shared by Cleveland Cavaliers coach (and former Kerr assistant) Kenny Atkinson, who recently advocated for a 72-game season.—
Nick Friedell,
New York Times,
31 Oct. 2025
-
The 10-year Treasury yield was little changed Friday following this week’s interest rate cut from the Federal Reserve and the central bank’s more hawkish tone on future policy.—
Sean Conlon,Hugh Leask,
CNBC,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Let pie stand at room temperature for 10 minutes before slicing.—
Ann Taylor Pittman,
Southern Living,
30 Oct. 2025
-
Instead of shredding the roast pork, as seen in so many versions — including the Cubano at El Puro — at Azucar, the chefs slice it to better achieve the goal of having the perfect ratio of meat, cheese and accoutrements in each and every bite.—
Timothy DePeugh,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Add trimmed and halved fresh green beans, and cook for 8 minutes.—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
1 Nov. 2025
-
How dare this newcomer suggest that the towering maple between their properties be trimmed or cut down?—
Sophie Brookover,
Vulture,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Dowdle ripped through those averages by himself, while Hubbard chipped in 17 rushing yards on five carries.—
Mike Kaye,
Charlotte Observer,
2 Nov. 2025
-
Antetokounmpo grabbed the offensive rebound, but LaVine ripped the ball out of his hands before Antetokounmpo could go up for a putback basket that would have tied the game.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
2 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Gausman allowed a solo home run to Dodgers catcher Will Smith, and two batters later, he got clipped by third baseman Max Muncy.—
Jackson Roberts,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Oct. 2025
-
There’s no need to clip in while riding technical terrain with a flat shoe that performs this well.—
Graham Averill,
Outside,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The biggest test may be in Virginia, which is home to many federal workers impacted by the government shutdown and efforts by the Department of Government Efficiency to slash agencies.—
Zac Anderson,
USA Today,
2 Nov. 2025
-
In the wake of the results, reported late Thursday, several Wall Street firms slashed their price targets.—
Scott Schnipper,
CNBC,
31 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shear. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share