shepherd 1 of 2

verb

Definition of shepherdnext
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

1
as in pastor

Related Words

Dissimilar Words
2
as in shepherdess

Related Words

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
The diverse and tuition-free, year-long directing workshop enters its 52nd year and will again shepherd underrepresented and emerging filmmakers through the production cycle of a short film. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 13 July 2026 The two-time Emmy winner penned 10 episodes of Vince Gilligan’s landmark crime series before staying with Sony/AMC to shepherd four seasons of the genre-bending Preacher. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 13 July 2026
Noun
The delightful and deceptively deep family mystery comedy stars Hugh Jackman as an English shepherd who is found dead. — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 10 July 2026 The shepherd observed as Underwood boiled and stirred and filtered his brew. — Literary Hub, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for shepherd
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shepherd
  1. guide
  2. pastor
  3. shepherdess
  4. coach
  5. vicar
  6. sheepherder
  7. mentor
  8. parson
Verb
  • Her grandmother's philosophy, passed down through the Dust Bowl and beyond, still guides the family.
    — Anna Alejo, CBS News, 31 July 2026
  • And Loftin’s clutch gene has guided the Royals to key victories.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026
Definition of guide
Noun
  • Movie law conveniently parlays their lengthy sentence into a week’s work at the cheery, picturesque Burning Bush Camp, where supervising pastor Tom (Chris Klein) sportingly overlooks their dubious childcare creds and eccentric prayer style.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 25 July 2026
  • Jeremy Klein, a 51-year-old pastor in Ohio who lost his sense of smell from COVID in May 2025, participated in one of Zhao’s trials.
    — Hannah Docter-Loeb, Scientific American, 24 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
  • Reese is often seen coaching Okot on the court and sidelines.
    — Micahya Costen, AJC.com, 28 July 2026
  • While there are plenty of pieces for the coaching staff to work with, the depth chart doesn’t appear to be flush with playmakers outside of Nabers.
    — Charlotte Carroll, New York Times, 27 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
  • Build the hours a senior leader spends mentoring into their actual workload, not into the margins of their day.
    — Caitlin Hewes, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • Even my foundation, [the Emeril Lagasse Foundation], the inspiration is mentoring young people.
    — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 28 July 2026
Definition of mentor
Noun
  • And what does the old man who sleeps by the fire know about the dead parson?
    — Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 25 Jan. 2026
  • 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
Definition of parson

Browse Nearby Words

Sheol
shepherd
shepherded
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Cite this Entry

“Shepherd.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shepherd. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on shepherd

Nglish: Translation of shepherd for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about shepherd

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