1
as in to mow
to bring down by cutting laboriously hewed trees to build their rude log cabins

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2
as in to adhere
to hold to something firmly as if by adhesion decided to hew to the original plan rather than change everything

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 hew Rough-hewn reclaimed wood beams, varying door heights, and intentionally mismatched vintage hardware create an authenticity often lacking in new construction. Kristen Flanagan, Architectural Digest, 31 Mar. 2025 Surprisingly, unlike white Christians who tend to hew Republican, Black Christians are no more likely to be Democrats or Republicans. Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Mar. 2025 This version hews a little closer to the source and also has the coldest, most clinical take so far, courtesy of Robert Elswit’s gorgeous black-and-white cinematography and Steven Zaillian’s ace direction. Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 18 Mar. 2025 In some cases, while working under deadlines and pressure, my language unintentionally hewed too closely to theirs. Colleen McCain Nelson, Sacramento Bee, 28 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hew
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hew
Verb
  • Here's exactly when to start mowing your lawn, depending on your growing conditions and grass type.
    Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Mar. 2025
  • That insulation and humidity retention can improve germination, and the cover can be removed as the new grass approaches mowing height.
    Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • To avoid these potentially destabilizing effects, military leaders will need to explain what the country stands to lose if the military devotes excess time, resources, and attention to domestic operations and fails to adhere carefully to the laws of war.
    Risa Brooks, Foreign Affairs, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The faulty cant rails appear to stem from inadequate glue used to adhere the components to the vehicle frame, which allegedly weakens after exposure to freezing temperatures.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 20 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Little more than an hour later, he would be felled by an assassin’s bullet.
    Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Martinez helped lead the Mets to the NLCS where they were felled by his former club.
    Dan Freedman, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Rhodes and Reigns had an epic fight, with Reigns sticking in it with the help of the Bloodline and Rhodes surviving purely based on his own toughness.
    John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Morgan Wallen is opening up about the struggles surrounding fame and his choice to stick away from bars the past year.
    Audrey Gibbs, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Peterson and 10 other employees eventually fled the area, clinging to plastic pipes from a semi-truck, according to the Knoxville News Sentinel.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Delap has been a shining light for Ipswich this season, scoring 11 of their 30 Premier League goals to keep them clinging to their top-flight status with their fingertips.
    Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hew.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hew. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.

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