1
as in shaves
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 slits
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shears
Verb
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In one scene, Johnson’s character goes to the barber shop and shaves his hair.—
Jazz Tangcay,
Variety,
4 Oct. 2025 -
Pro gaming mouse shaves off 24%, packing ultra-light speed and switches that keep up with endless gaming sessions without slowing you down.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Mildly spicy, these peppers give this dip the perfect savory, slightly tart kick that cuts the creaminess perfectly.—
Josh Miller,
Southern Living,
11 Oct. 2025
-
The Philippine Fault Zone, which cuts across the archipelago, is one of many active faults responsible for significant seismic events.—
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Three Sevilla players are offside, but they are quickly played on as the Frenchman charges down the line and swings a cross into Romero, who slices his shot wide.—
Thom Harris,
New York Times,
8 Oct. 2025
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On his journey, Geralt slices up several soldiers, a giant, ogre-like creature and a ghostly wraith.—
Jordan Moreau,
Variety,
7 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The carry handles each have a magnetic piece that then clips together to form a single bar to grasp.—
Adam Campbell-Schmitt,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
18 Sep. 2025
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For messing up, Martha clips Gabriel’s wings, forcing him to live life as a human, with a new casual wardrobe to match and a taste for fast food.—
Michael Rechtshaffen,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Continue reading … CRIME MAGNET – Washington Post rips Democratic Socialist's costly bus proposal for New Yorkers.—
,
FOXNews.com,
13 Oct. 2025
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The Meadow Vista Community Center, located at 1101 Meadow Vista Road, could also serve as an evacuation site if a fire rips through the area, residents said.—
Ishani Desai,
Sacbee.com,
9 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Some popular models that may require mid-grade Plus fuel include some Dodge Charger and Jeep Grand Cherokee trims.—
Charles Singh,
USA Today,
9 Oct. 2025
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Some popular models that may require mid-grade Plus fuel include some Dodge Charger and Jeep Grand Cherokee trims.—
Charles Singh,
Nashville Tennessean,
23 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Consistency builds trust and slashes audit drag.—
Jagbir Kaur,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
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Cherry picks up a knife and slashes Laura’s tires on the way out, for good measure.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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In the footage, Sally leans forward, flips her hair over her face, and snips the ends.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 Aug. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Shears.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shears. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.
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