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shears Synonyms

Another word for shears

Choosing another word for shears depends on context, so the 28 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 5 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• noun (Context 1)

A large cutting instrument that operates like a pair of scissors, typically used for cutting sheep's fleece, pruning plants, or cutting thick materials.

Usage Example

"The gardener used a heavy pair of clippers to trim the overgrown hedge by the driveway."

Strongest
clippers
Strong
secateurs
pruners
loppers
scissors
snips

• verb (Context 2)

To cut the wool, fleece, or hair off (an animal).

Usage Example

"Every spring, the farmer clips the sheep to keep them cool during the warmer months."

Strongest
clips
fleeces
Strong
crops
trims
shaves

• verb (Context 3)

To remove something by cutting or slicing it sharply.

Usage Example

"The low bridge severs the top off any tall truck that mistakenly attempts to drive underneath."

Strongest
severs
Strong
slices
cleaves
lops
chops
slashes
cuts

• verb (Context 4)

To break off or cause to break off owing to extreme structural strain or force.

Usage Example

"Under immense lateral pressure, the steel bolt snaps and the structural joint eventually fails."

Strongest
snaps
Strong
fractures
ruptures
breaks
gives way

• noun (Context 5)

A heavy lifting apparatus consisting of two or more spars joined at the top, used for hoisting immense weights.

Usage Example

"The shipyard workers rigged the sheerlegs to lift the heavy ship mast into place."

Strongest
sheerlegs
shearlegs
Strong
derrick
hoist
Weak
crane

Opposites of shears

The opposite of shears shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

holds
attaches
withstands
joins
See all opposites of shears

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Shears. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/shears
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