shed 1 of 2

shed

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word shed different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of shed are cast, discard, junk, scrap, and slough. While all these words mean "to get rid of," shed and slough imply a throwing off of something both useless and encumbering and often suggest a consequent renewal of vitality or luster.

shed a bad habit
finally sloughed off the depression

When would cast be a good substitute for shed?

Although the words cast and shed have much in common, cast, especially when used with off, away, or out, implies a forceful rejection or repudiation.

cast off her friends

When is it sensible to use discard instead of shed?

While the synonyms discard and shed are close in meaning, discard implies the letting go or throwing away of something that has become useless or superfluous though often not intrinsically valueless.

discard old clothes

How do scrap and junk relate to one another, in the sense of shed?

Both scrap and junk imply throwing away or breaking up as worthless in existent form.

scrap all the old ways
would junk our educational system

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 shed
Verb
The case of the man behind KG Pay sheds further light on how motorcades use U.S. banks. Cezary Podkul, ProPublica, 25 June 2025 Mastro’s and Zhou’s books could hardly be more different, but both authors’ perspectives shed light on the still protean multipolar world that is being shaped by the competition between Washington and Beijing. Oriana Skylar Mastro, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
Noun
According to the lawsuit, the Williamses erected a shed against the church’s fence. Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 30 May 2025 This 5-by-3-foot metal shed is the ideal size for holding gardening equipment, pool gear, and possibly a walk-behind lawnmower. Clint Davis, People.com, 13 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for shed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shed
Verb
  • Citrus peels, coffee grounds, pine needles, and other organic matter are compostable but may cause issues when introduced in large amounts.
    Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 27 June 2025
  • To prepare the salad: Separate the broccoli florets and then peel away the woody exterior of the stalks and cut into ¼-inch pieces.
    Beth Dooley, Boston Herald, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • Even after sending Pro Bowl receiver Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders earlier in the offseason, the 49ers were also reportedly still trying to unload Aiyuk's contract as well.
    Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
  • As commuters unload from carpools passing through the parking lot of a Tri-Rail station on a recent weekday morning, they’re greeted by a symphony of construction while waiting for their trains.
    CD Goette-Luciak, Miami Herald, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • Later that day, they were moved to a ramshackle hut of metal and wood.
    Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 14 June 2025
  • Right now, there’s an ice cream stand, a double wide mobile home which sells non-food items and a grocery hut, as well as a pizza oven in the back.
    Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 12 June 2025
Verb
  • The former Victoria's Secret model ditched her lace bodysuit in a few wedding photos, and later changed into a strapless gown designed by Galia Lahav for her reception.
    Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 23 June 2025
  • Microsoft and Google have warned users for some time now to ditch passwords for passkeys.
    Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • After the recent spike in oil, investors should dump or bet against shares of automakers and airlines, while buying some technology stocks over the next month, if history is any guide.
    Pia Singh, CNBC, 18 June 2025
  • Fans jumped at the chance to pair Jeremiah with Iris, a move that left Huda single and immediately at risk of getting dumped from the villa.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Noun
  • The project proposal includes parking for golfers and a starter shack for the course.
    Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 21 June 2025
  • In an adaptation of the popular 2007 Christian novel, Oscar winner Octavia Spencer plays Papa, who's actually God, living in a mystical shack with Jesus (Avraham Aviv Alush) and the Holy Spirit (Sumire).
    James Mercadante, EW.com, 5 June 2025
Verb
  • One defense expert suggested that O’Keefe’s injuries were caused by a dog, backing up the defense’s theory that O’Keefe was beaten inside the home of a fellow cop, attacked by his dog and discarded outside during a blizzard.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 19 June 2025
  • Analysts say Ukraine is among the countries that are the most affected by land mines and discarded explosives as a result of Russia’s ongoing war.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • Los Angeles County, which stood to lose nearly $20 million in annual federal HIV prevention funding, was looking at terminating contracts with 39 providers.
    Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025
  • The New Zealand team Auckland City began the Club World Cup as the tournament’s fall guys, losing 10-0 against the German champions Bayern Munich, but by the end of the group stage, the semi-professional outfit earned respect by holding Boca Juniors to a draw.
    Adam Crafton, New York Times, 27 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shed. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on shed

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!