razor
2 synonyms and 0 antonyms for razor, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A sharp-bladed tool used for shaving hair from the skin.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use razor
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French rasour, from raser ("to scrape, to shave") — the same root as "raze."
Full origin of razor →Frequently asked questions
What does “razor” mean?
The word “razor” means a sharp-bladed tool used for shaving hair from the skin. In plain terms, a blade for shaving, or, figuratively, a rule for cutting down to the simplest explanation.
How do you pronounce “razor”?
“Razor” is pronounced RAY-zuh (/ˈɹeɪzɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “razor” in a sentence?
Here is “razor” used in a sentence: “He nicked his chin with the razor while shaving in a hurry.”
What part of speech is “razor”?
Depending on how it is used, “razor” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “razor” come from?
The word “razor” comes from Old French. From Old French rasour, from raser ("to scrape, to shave") — the same root as "raze.".
Is “razor” a common word?
“Razor” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “razor” have?
“Razor” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a sharp-bladed tool used for shaving hair from the skin.
What is the difference between a razor and Occam's razor?
A razor as a physical tool is a sharp-bladed instrument used for shaving hair from the skin. In reasoning and philosophy, a razor is a principle used to cut away unlikely or unnecessary explanations, as in Occam's razor, which favors the simplest sufficient explanation.
What does it mean to use a philosophical razor?
Using a philosophical razor means applying a guiding principle to eliminate unlikely, overly complex, or unnecessary explanations when reasoning through a problem, helping narrow down to the most plausible answer.
Can razor be used as a verb?
Yes, razor can be used as a verb meaning to shave something with a razor, as in 'he razored off his stubble.'