SHRED Synonyms: 161 Similar and Opposite Words

shred 1 of 2

noun

ˈshred

Definition of shred

as in glimmer

a very small amount the vandals showed not a shred of decency

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

shred

2 of 2

verb

as in to rip

to cause (something) to separate into jagged pieces by violently pulling at it shredded some cooked chicken for the soup

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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 shred

Noun

To get on Fauci’s good side was to earn his confidence, his respect, and the benefits of his network of resources; to land on his bad side was to be carved into shreds inside his office, the worst of his rampages audible through the closed door. — Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026 The congress has repeatedly amended the constitution to concentrate power in Ortega’s hands and eliminate any shred of democratic independence and dissent in the country. — Megan Janetsky, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026

Verb

And 50 or 60 trees would be shredded up in the woodlot, always in the same general area. — Jeff Murray, Outdoor Life, 20 Aug. 2026 For example, leaves detached from a mother plant, especially if threatened, torn up, or shredded, display high levels of anxiety. — Literary Hub, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shred

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shred

Noun

The polls offer a glimmer of hope for Democrats and their voters, who hope that the party can shrink the Republican majority in Congress – or capture it – this midterm season.

— Emily R. Condon, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026
While more muted in color than her later looks, the outfit shows an early glimmer of her future full-on sparkle.

— Kelsey Stiegman, InStyle, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of glimmer

Noun

The cuisine was also noteworthy, a generous choice of cocktails, wines, and cuisine with hints of contemporary English inspiration, while avoiding being British stodgy.

— Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2026
Warsh is unlikely to reveal his approach before the task forces report but at Jackson Hole the whole world will be looking for hints regarding his plans to reshape the Fed.

— Paul Wachtel, The Conversation, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of hint

Noun

Her clothes are simple but bright, with sometimes a bit of shiny thread or a sprinkling of sequins; décolletage is a thing of the future.

— Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
This one promised not only travel-show vibes but, perhaps, a sprinkling of reality TV, another guilty pleasure of mine.

— Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of sprinkling

Noun

Sprouse’s first collections in the mid-1980s made a major splash, melding graffiti prints, a playful ’60s aesthetic, and bright Day-Glo colors that won admirers such as Andy Warhol.

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 25 Aug. 2026
The bagels are the creations of Moreira, who grew up in Argentina but learned quickly how to make bagels that caused a splash.

— Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of splash

Noun

But talking about corruption in a moral or systemic sense – observing that the country is in decline, or that elites are out of touch – can be effective.

— Robert Boatright, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026
Parton, who died Tuesday, was instantly memorialized for her country music fame, glitzy glam and humanitarian touch.

— Rachel Siegel, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of touch

Browse Nearby Words

shrank

shred

shredded

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“Shred.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shred. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of shred

noun

verb

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