hem Synonyms
Another word for hem
• noun (Context 1)
The finished edge of a piece of clothing or fabric, typically made by folding the material under and sewing it down.
"She decided to shorten the dress by taking up the hemline a few inches."
• verb (Context 2)
To fold back and sew down the edge of (a piece of fabric or a garment).
"The tailor carefully hemmed the trousers so they would fit the customer perfectly."
• verb (Context 3)
To completely enclose, confine, or restrict the movement of (typically used with 'in').
"The small mountain village is completely hemmed in by towering peaks and dense forests."
• verb (Context 4)
To hesitate in speaking or to express indecision, often by clearing the throat (frequently used in the phrase 'hem and haw').
"The manager continued to hesitate and haw when pressed for a final decision on the budget."
• noun (Context 5)
A short sound made by clearing the throat, often used to express hesitation or to attract attention.
"He gave a polite ahem before interrupting the ongoing debate."
Opposites of hem
The opposite of hem shifts depending on context. Common opposites include: