shred
11 synonyms and 2 antonyms for shred, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A small torn or cut strip or fragment of something.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
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.
Antonyms
How to use shred
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
not a shred of evidence
shred documents
shredded cheese
Etymology
From Old English screade ("a piece cut off"), related to Proto-Germanic roots meaning "to cut."
Full origin of shred →Frequently asked questions
What does “shred” mean?
The word “shred” means a small torn or cut strip or fragment of something. In plain terms, a small torn strip of something, or the act of tearing/cutting something into such strips.
How do you pronounce “shred”?
“Shred” is pronounced shrehd (/ʃɹɛd/ in IPA).
How do you use “shred” in a sentence?
Here is “shred” used in a sentence: “The dog left the newspaper in shreds all over the kitchen floor.”
What part of speech is “shred”?
Depending on how it is used, “shred” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “shred” come from?
The word “shred” comes from Old English. From Old English screade ("a piece cut off"), related to Proto-Germanic roots meaning "to cut.".
Is “shred” a common word?
“Shred” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “shred” have?
“Shred” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small torn or cut strip or fragment of something.
