SHEARS Synonyms: 61 Similar and Opposite Words

shears

verb

present tense third-person singular of shear

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

That shaves a year off the typical 120-hour bachelor’s degree.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
For example, using behind-the-meter battery storage or local generation during peak windows actively shaves expensive demand charges without sacrificing performance.

— Ray Fernandez, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of shaves

Verb

Wild Lab Bakery sells decadent peanut butter cup cookies, as well, and Missy’s Pies slices up a droolworthy combo that features a layer of peanut butter on top of a chocolate brownie.

— Joey Skladany, Southern Living, 28 Sep. 2026
The Yellowstone River slices through its middle, a miles-long stretch of meadow called the Yellowstone Valley.

— Christine Peterson, Outdoor Life, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of slices

Verb

Someone slaps a strip of medical tape across their lips, promises you deeper sleep, fewer snores and a sharper jawline by morning, then cuts to a dreamy sunrise shot.

— Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2026
Nonetheless, housing is another issue that cuts across national borders.

— Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of cuts

Verb

Which is why golf buddies Tyler Kenney and Zach Smith founded Laced Golf, a digital device that clips onto your shoelaces and gives you real-time feedback on your stance using lights and haptic vibration.

— Eliza Thompson, Time, 15 Oct. 2026
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

Definition of clips

Verb

Using a sharp knife, make crosswise slashes every 2 in [5 cm] along the body, cutting down to the bone.

— Emma Specter, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2026
Northrop Grumman slashes overall weight and reduces total part counts, manufacturing combat-ready autonomous jets at a fraction of typical costs.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of slashes

Verb

Benson snips off a portion of Kaylee’s hair in one shot, followed by a snap of the musician wrapping his arms around his older sister in a comforting hug.

— Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 13 July 2026
Grandmother takes a small pair of scissors from her bag and snips a swatch from the green cloth, then slips it into her pocket.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 Mar. 2026

Definition of snips

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shearing

shears

sheath

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“Shears.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shears. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of shears

verb

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