shear

verb

ˈshir How to pronounce shear (audio)
Definition of shearnext
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

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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 Drivers who came upon the burning plane, which was nearly sheared in half and tipped on its side, captured dramatic rescue scenes on video or rushed toward the aircraft on foot to help. — CBS News, 17 June 2026 Harryson says to avoid shearing the entire plant into a tight mound, cutting into the crown, removing emerging spring shoots, and pruning too early. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 16 June 2026 In that 1964 work, Ono sat still on a stage, a pair of scissors beside her, as audience members took turns shearing her clothing. — Julie L. Belcove, Architectural Digest, 12 June 2026 It can be sheared into a formal hedge or shaped into a ball. — Daniel Scott, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for shear
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shear
  1. shave
  2. slit
  3. cut
  4. slice
  5. trim
  6. rip
  7. clip
  8. slash
Verb
  • Others were offered $100 to eat a cup of wasabi or shave their head for several thousand dollars.
    — Kalia Richardson, USA Today, 14 July 2026
  • Morsa Images / Getty Images Evidence has been accumulating steadily for over a decade that arthroscopic knee surgery to shave torn, degenerative cartilage does not help more than physical therapy.
    — Dr. Elisabeth Rosenthal, CBS News, 13 July 2026
Definition of shave
Verb
  • They’re designed with a sleek flat front, a mid-rise elastic waistband, a slightly loose leg opening, and small side slits for a comfortable, relaxed fit.
    — Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 4 June 2026
  • Before police took him into custody, Tran slit his wrists, cut his neck and poked the blade into his stomach, but all of the wounds were superficial.
    — Sean Emery, Oc Register, 1 June 2026
Definition of slit
Verb
  • The first due to a slip from Porro, which allowed Andy Robertson to cut the ball back for McTominay.
    — Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 18 July 2026
  • The Odyssey’s crew is full of longtime Nolan collaborators, from cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema, who has worked with Nolan since Interstellar, to editor Jennifer Lame, who previously cut Tenet and Oppenheimer.
    — Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
Definition of cut
Verb
  • The magazine’s anatomically graphic photos—rats butchered alive, dogs with their faces sliced open, monkeys screaming at the electrodes implanted in their abdomens—seemed like windows into hell.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 July 2026
  • Cover with foil and allow to stand for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
    — Wini Moranville, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 July 2026
Definition of slice
Verb
  • Even the Oklahoma City Thunder, who are still sitting on a huge haul of future draft capital, had to start trimming their supporting cast this offseason because Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams’ max extensions kicked in.
    — Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • The pate uses trim such as collars and tails, which are double smoked, much like classic barbecue burnt ends.
    — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of trim
Verb
  • Homeowners of that era ripped out their vegetable gardens and orange trees to set up oil rigs.
    — Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026
  • Los Angeles Fire Department arson investigators are probing a destructive fire that ripped through a Sun Valley strip mall early Sunday morning, destroying a beloved family-run market.
    — Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 14 July 2026
Definition of rip
Verb
  • All of my essentials are packed in my Stowaway, which clips into my weekender as a bag organizer, and can clip out to be worn on its own as a crossbody when walking around during the day or as a clutch when going out in the evening.
    — Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 16 July 2026
  • He was arrested crossing the border from Mexico into Texas in September 1981, according to a news clipping from the Chicago Tribune.
    — Doha Madani, NBC news, 16 July 2026
Definition of clip
Verb
  • And with a handful of film distributors siphoning a greater portion of box office revenue, the states argue that theaters will likely be forced to raise ticket prices and slash investments for larger screens, luxury seating and concessions.
    — Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 13 July 2026
  • Warner dramatically reduced its own debt after slashing budgets, but is still tens of billions of dollars in the red, which helped set the stage for Paramount's unsolicited bid.
    — David Folkenflik, NPR, 13 July 2026
Definition of slash

Browse Nearby Words

sheaf
shear
sheared
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Cite this Entry

“Shear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shear. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on shear

Nglish: Translation of shear for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about shear

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