SHED Synonyms: 86 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'shed' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of shed are cast , discard , junk , scrap , and slough . While all these words mean "to get rid of," shed and slough imply a throwing off of something both useless and encumbering and often suggest a consequent renewal of vitality or luster. // shed a bad habit // finally sloughed off the depression

Q: When would 'cast' be a good substitute for 'shed'?

Although the words cast and shed have much in common, cast , especially when used with off, away , or out , implies a forceful rejection or repudiation. // cast off her friends

Q: When is it sensible to use 'discard' instead of 'shed'?

While the synonyms discard and shed are close in meaning, discard implies the letting go or throwing away of something that has become useless or superfluous though often not intrinsically valueless. // discard old clothes

Q: How do 'scrap' and 'junk' relate to one another, in the sense of 'shed'?

Both scrap and junk imply throwing away or breaking up as worthless in existent form. // scrap all the old ways // would junk our educational system

shed 1 of 2

verb

ˈshed

Definition of shed next

as in to peel

to cast (a natural bodily covering or appendage) aside a snake's skin doesn't grow as the snake does, so every so often the snake will shed its old skin

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to unload

to get rid of as useless or unwanted you need to shed your old notions of propriety and have some fun for a change

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

shed

2 of 2

noun

as in hut

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word shed different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of shed are cast, discard, junk, scrap, and slough. While all these words mean "to get rid of," shed and slough imply a throwing off of something both useless and encumbering and often suggest a consequent renewal of vitality or luster.

shed a bad habit

finally sloughed off the depression

When would cast be a good substitute for shed?

Although the words cast and shed have much in common, cast, especially when used with off, away, or out, implies a forceful rejection or repudiation.

cast off her friends

When is it sensible to use discard instead of shed?

While the synonyms discard and shed are close in meaning, discard implies the letting go or throwing away of something that has become useless or superfluous though often not intrinsically valueless.

discard old clothes

How do scrap and junk relate to one another, in the sense of shed?

Both scrap and junk imply throwing away or breaking up as worthless in existent form.

scrap all the old ways

would junk our educational system

Examples 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 shed

Verb

The finding is a notable puzzle piece that could help shed light on the earliest forebears of mammals, experts said. —

Mindy Weisberger, CNN, 19 Dec. 2024 Our clothing can also shed a lot of microplastics, which is why Leslie tries to wear fabrics like wool and linen. —

Will Stone, NPR, 18 Dec. 2024

Noun

An 18th-century marble bust by Edmé Bouchardon, once used to prop open a storage shed, is set to bring more than $1 million at auction. —

Melvin Backman, Quartz, 20 Nov. 2024 One interesting aspect of Thornton’s character is discovered in the first scene of the first episode, when Norris is being held hostage in a shed in the middle of nowhere, shackled to a chair with a hood over his face. —

Demetrius Patterson, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for shed

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shed

Verb

Also, the skin can become fragile and peel and flake off.

Colleen Doherty, Verywell Health, 18 Dec. 2024
Meanwhile, peel and core the apple, then cut into 1⁄4- to 1⁄2-inch cubes.

Jason Mastrodonato, The Mercury News, 16 Dec. 2024