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
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Recent Examples of shear
In Lincoln’s time, people in the town would shear their sheep, wash the fleece and card the wool using the mill.
—
Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2025
The concrete had sheared away and the pipe was rusted through.
—Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2025
Photo: Courtesy of Netflix Stepping beyond the practicality of rubber clogs—no thorns in feet or shearing injuries here, Netflix!—Meghan seems to be embracing the wider shift toward slip-on styles.
—Olivia Allen, Vogue, 5 Mar. 2025
Sheep are shearing the land under solar panels to benefit two industries
As solar power’s land needs grow, more ranchers are turning to agrivoltaics.
—Troy Aidan Sambajon, The Christian Science Monitor, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shear
Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2025
The concrete had sheared away and the pipe was rusted through.
—Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2025
Photo: Courtesy of Netflix Stepping beyond the practicality of rubber clogs—no thorns in feet or shearing injuries here, Netflix!—Meghan seems to be embracing the wider shift toward slip-on styles.
—Olivia Allen, Vogue, 5 Mar. 2025
Sheep are shearing the land under solar panels to benefit two industries
As solar power’s land needs grow, more ranchers are turning to agrivoltaics.
—Troy Aidan Sambajon, The Christian Science Monitor, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shear
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shear
Verb
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The accelerated pathway shaves time off the degree by eliminating some electives in the curriculum and the transition-to-residency coursework that’s usually offered in the fourth year.—
Michael T. Nietzel,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2025
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That's a more modest bump to the specs of the previous S5 than the four-cylinder car, although one that still shaves a couple of tenths off the 0–60 time.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
18 June 2025
Verb
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Small borers may be removed by slitting the stem and handpicking them.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
23 Apr. 2025
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Carefully cut slits into the sponges and slide them onto the ends of the tongs, and voila!—
Amy Brightfield,
Better Homes & Gardens,
17 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Medicaid is a point of major friction for Republicans in states with high Medicaid enrollment and who oppose changes that would essentially cut benefits or jeopardize hospital funding.—
Ramsey Touchberry,
The Washington Examiner,
15 June 2025
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The final six percent began with a bad omen as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander buried a three-point shot with 2:58 on the clock that cut the lead down to one point.—
Tony East,
Forbes.com,
15 June 2025
Verb
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But Ramos-Arce said the brother tried to pull the machete away, and Ramos-Arce sliced his arm in the process, deputies said.—
Olivia Lloyd,
Miami Herald,
11 June 2025
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Making sauerkraut begins with slicing cabbage into fine shreds and mixing it with salt.—
Lauren Manaker MS,
Health,
11 June 2025
Verb
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Though the index rebounded shortly after, its gains were trimmed in early 2025 as U.S. President Donald Trump ignited his trade war.—
Zinnia Lee,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2025
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First, trim your nails by clipping straight across to create short tips.—
Fiona Embleton,
Glamour,
11 June 2025
Verb
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If Powell and the Fed are dovish (more rate cuts, not less), stocks could easily rip higher.—
Adam Sarhan,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2025
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All-Time Anniversary Twelve years ago, Ray Allen hit The Shot On this date, back in 2013, one of the greatest shots in basketball history ripped through the net.—
Zach Harper,
New York Times,
18 June 2025
Verb
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Every feather was clipped short; the bullet must have gone the length of the bird’s body cutting feathers and not once drawing blood!—
Percy Brown,
Outdoor Life,
12 June 2025
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First, trim your nails by clipping straight across to create short tips.—
Fiona Embleton,
Glamour,
11 June 2025
Verb
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Some protesters hurled large chunks of broken concrete at officers, slashed tires and defaced buildings, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
8 June 2025
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The obvious problem is there are not enough things to slash to pay for the irresponsible tax cuts and spending included in the bill.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
8 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shear. Accessed 22 Jun. 2025.
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