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
Barbers, equipped with shearing scissors and razors, squatted atop mats waiting to give children their first haircut, a hallowed ceremony that eliminates bad karma of past lives and ends with the kids’ shorn locks tossed into the Ganges.
—
Norma Meyer, Oc Register, 4 Feb. 2026
The bedding is triple sheared, and as a result, pilling is very minor.
—Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 21 Jan. 2026
Sophomore Joe Teter enjoyed the honor of shearing Dunckel’s head.
—Don Norcross, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Nov. 2025
The video shows the Amazon drone shearing the wire line.
—Annie Palmer, CNBC, 26 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shear
Norma Meyer, Oc Register, 4 Feb. 2026
The bedding is triple sheared, and as a result, pilling is very minor.
—Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 21 Jan. 2026
Sophomore Joe Teter enjoyed the honor of shearing Dunckel’s head.
—Don Norcross, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Nov. 2025
The video shows the Amazon drone shearing the wire line.
—Annie Palmer, CNBC, 26 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shear
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shear
Verb
-
Stone said parts of the Bible instructs people how to shave.—
Idaho Statesman,
Idaho Statesman,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Two pumps of the stuff should cover your entire face and give you enough slip to shave comfortably and without irritation.—
Justin Fenner,
Robb Report,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Moments later, Gavalas slit his wrists, according to the complaint.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
5 Mar. 2026
-
The prosecutor said Tran tried to take his own life by slitting a wrist, cutting his neck and poking a blade into his stomach.—
Sean Emery,
Oc Register,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Even as Michigan State came roaring back in the second half, cutting the lead to just two in the final minute, UCLA never flinched.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Mar. 2026
-
Orangefield cut the lead to 8 points a couple of times late in the game, but Cobb made 5 of 6 free throws in the final 46 seconds to keep the Bobcats at bay.—
Darren Lauber,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Many parents are already familiar with grape cutters, but Oxo’s Tot Grape Cutter can be used for much more than slicing grapes for little ones.—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
9 Mar. 2026
-
The ball wobbled in the air, seemingly unable to slice through the cold wind, and into the arms of Steelers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The city is on track to release a catalogue of eight pre-approved designs this year to streamline the process and trim costs on homeowners.—
Mark Dee
March 12,
Idaho Statesman,
12 Mar. 2026
-
How To Dethatch Your Lawn The day before dethatching, mow your lawn as usual to trim the grass and remove excess debris from the lawn, then water the lawn lightly.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Human Rights Watch quoted one unnamed resident recalling how the explosion ripped both feet off a baby.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Teel ripped a pitch down the first-base line in the sixth inning.—
LaMond Pope,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Even 20 years ago, film wasn’t as accessible or easily clipped together.—
Jourdan Rodrigue,
New York Times,
5 Mar. 2026
-
See the date announcement clip below.—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Last Friday, the government reported unexpectedly sharp job losses for February as employers slashed 92,000 jobs.—
Christopher Rugaber,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Mar. 2026
-
The Sacramento Police Department proposed slashing 66 vacant positions and shifting 129 positions to other duties.—
Ishani Desai,
Sacbee.com,
11 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shear. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
