SHEPHERD Synonyms: 116 Similar and Opposite Words

shepherd 1 of 2

verb

Definition of shepherd

as in to guide

to give advice and instruction to (someone) regarding the course or process to be followed shepherding her through the procedure of taking out a loan

Synonyms & Similar Words

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shepherd

2 of 2

noun

as in pastor

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Dissimilar Words

as in shepherdess

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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 shepherd

Verb

After Leo’s election many experts looked to Cupich’s ministry for clues to how the new American pope would shepherd the global church. — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 July 2026 Magical but not magic Through all that, Kramer emerged as just the right person to be able to shepherd and navigate this unfathomable endeavor. — Kansas City Star, 30 June 2026

Noun

Rosa, who is legally blind, has Daisy, a German shepherd, to care for her. — Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2026 The delightful and deceptively deep family mystery comedy stars Hugh Jackman as an English shepherd (Hugh Jackman) who is found dead. — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for shepherd

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shepherd

Verb

For competition favorites, Nike and Adidas, return on investment will be scrutinized in micro-detail, guiding their approaches to future marketing in both sportswear and broader lifestyle categories.

— Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 16 July 2026
While spun as voluntary resignations, these sorts of shuffles typically indicate top brass — in this case, Netflix content chief Bela Bajaria — is looking to shake up its slates or thinks that fresh eyes are needed to guide programming.

— Josef Adalian, Vulture, 16 July 2026

Definition of guide

Noun

Bobby Wilson was a pastor’s son who grew up idolizing the kind of R&B dudes who could wail a praise song and then hit up Freaknik afterwards (think Jodeci and H-Town).

— Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 11 July 2026
Alex Garcia, the pastor of the church, told ABC News' New York City affiliate WABC that the house of worship has been around for 20 years.

— Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 9 July 2026

Definition of pastor

Noun

The thoughtful decor features pendant lamps inspired by traditional Rwandan headdresses, crafted by local fashion designer Joselyne Umutoniwase, and tasseled armchairs that riff on the traditional Rwandan shepherdess skirts.

— Chris Wallace, Travel + Leisure, 14 Nov. 2025
Others, such as the fictional shepherdess Marcela in Don Quixote, decided to lead a life of solitude and freedom away from both men and the confines of the convent.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 19 May 2025

Definition of shepherdess

Verb

Jeff Caglianone coached Jac through the years, starting with games of catch in the backyard and continuing through high school.

— Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 13 July 2026
Yet when asked to describe his first season coaching the men, Kiraly did not begin with offensive systems, blocking schemes, or statistical analysis.

— Tim Genske, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026

Definition of coach

Noun

The couple were married by a female vicar, per the Daily Mail.

— Natasha Dye, PEOPLE, 13 July 2026
Nearly every murder is solved by the end of the episode, but despite the unusual twist of having the village vicar team up with the police, the real action comes from the relationships among the characters.

— Pat Saperstein, Variety, 14 June 2026

Definition of vicar

Noun

His father was a sheepherder on Iceland’s northern coast who moved to Denmark, studied with Niels Bohr, immigrated to the United States, and worked on the Apollo missions.

— Annie Lowrey, The Atlantic, 29 June 2026
Rather than escape, the sheepherder accepts his death.

— Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026

Definition of sheepherder

Verb

LaunchPad delivers mentoring and career development, real-world work experience and access to high-profile companies and executives, along with placement programs encompassing experiential learning sessions, interview training and internships.

— Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2026
Other options include teaming with Giannis on the Heat, joining Curry and Green on the Warriors, playing alongside Jokić on the Nuggets, or mentoring young stars on the Timberwolves.

— Mark Medina, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

Definition of mentor

Noun

It was said that the room contained a troubled spirit and that the parson was supposed to bless the space.

— Meredith Kile, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Among the beetle-collecting country parsons of his day, it was often assumed that the world had been created six thousand years ago and that many geological anomalies could be explained by Noah’s Flood.

— Lewis Hyde, Harpers Magazine, 18 June 2025

Definition of parson

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Sheol

shepherd

shepherded

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“Shepherd.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shepherd. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of shepherd

verb

noun

Example Sentences

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