1
as in shaved
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 sliced
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
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Recent Examples of sheared
Second, victims of higher taxes don’t stand still and get sheared like obedient sheep.
—
Steve Forbes,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2026
With the jet tipped on its side and nearly sheared in half, several people managed to climb out it while a firefighter using a small ladder rescued the last remaining passenger who appeared to be unconscious.
—
ABC News,
17 June 2026
Drivers who came upon the burning plane, which was nearly sheared in half and tipped on its side, captured dramatic rescue scenes on video or rushed toward the aircraft on foot to help.
—
CBS News,
17 June 2026
It can be sheared into a formal hedge or shaped into a ball.
—
Daniel Scott,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 June 2026
Anchusa plants look better and self-seed less if sheared back after flowering.
—
Marie Iannotti,
The Spruce,
9 May 2026
Up next was pineapple, its spikes thoughtfully sheared smooth and cut into spears.
—
Literary Hub,
8 May 2026
The tiny leaves are easily sheared and sculpted into any shape.
—
Arricca Elin Sansone,
Southern Living,
5 May 2026
When money is received, the group works with wildlife managers if a location needs to be sheared, burned or bulldozed.
—
Andrew Weeks,
Twin Cities,
10 Apr. 2026
Steve Forbes,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2026
With the jet tipped on its side and nearly sheared in half, several people managed to climb out it while a firefighter using a small ladder rescued the last remaining passenger who appeared to be unconscious.
—
ABC News,
17 June 2026
Drivers who came upon the burning plane, which was nearly sheared in half and tipped on its side, captured dramatic rescue scenes on video or rushed toward the aircraft on foot to help.
—
CBS News,
17 June 2026
It can be sheared into a formal hedge or shaped into a ball.
—
Daniel Scott,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 June 2026
Anchusa plants look better and self-seed less if sheared back after flowering.
—
Marie Iannotti,
The Spruce,
9 May 2026
Up next was pineapple, its spikes thoughtfully sheared smooth and cut into spears.
—
Literary Hub,
8 May 2026
The tiny leaves are easily sheared and sculpted into any shape.
—
Arricca Elin Sansone,
Southern Living,
5 May 2026
When money is received, the group works with wildlife managers if a location needs to be sheared, burned or bulldozed.
—
Andrew Weeks,
Twin Cities,
10 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sheared
Verb
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Schaffer said Reiner shaved his trademark beard for the sketch, which filmed on November 13, just a month before Rob and Michele were killed inside their home; their son Nick was arrested and charged with the murders.
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The public-private partnership with the Idaho Transportation Department shaved years off the timeline, with construction that began in early March expected to wrap in December.
Verb
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Warm scacciata, a traditional Sicilian bread, is presented whole and sliced warm to order.
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Today, Sauk Trail, which once weaved its way from Rock Island and the Mississippi River on the west to Indiana and beyond, has been chopped, diced, and sliced by road builders.
Verb
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The lineup already was revving, as Rushing homered in the second inning while Sasaki was still in the game, and both Kyle Tucker and Muncy drove in runs off starter Randy Vasquez in the third, cutting the deficit to two.
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Potential applications beyond wind energy The researchers believe the manufacturing approach could cut production costs for small wind turbines and help more people use lightweight renewable energy technology.
Verb
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Lamine Yamal, with the ball bouncing inside the box, spun and ripped a shot that Austria's goalkeeper just stopped for a corner kick.
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The statement also ripped Shipnuck for citing a source in which Mickelson's wife, Amy, played a role in his departures from clubs.
Verb
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His pass to Luis Romo was perhaps a little short but the midfielder kept his cool, finding Roberto Alvarado, who clipped a gorgeous, inviting pass over the top.
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In that game, the Netherlands earned a penalty in stoppage time when the referee deemed that Dutch winger Arjen Robben was clipped in the box by Mexico’s Rafael Márquez.
Verb
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Trump slashed access to healthcare benefits and prohibited deferred action holders from obtaining or using commercial driver’s licenses.
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Cuts to funding for people with disabilities, rising tuition costs and slashed teacher salaries would all be on the table, said Fogle, a Springfield Democrat.
Verb
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Both wore bras by Intimissimi, with Amelia selecting a black bra trimmed with ivory lace, and Eliza sporting an all-white version of the same piece.
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The Mass, rich in velvet and gold-trimmed vestments, chanting and incense, was livestreamed on the society’s YouTube channel, with simultaneous explanations in several languages.
Verb
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Lower the heat to a simmer, and cook until the potatoes are just slightly tender when pierced with a fork or knife.
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First responders found the woman conscious and alert after an umbrella stake pierced her shoulder.
Cite this Entry
“Sheared.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sheared. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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