SHEER Synonyms: 198 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'sheer' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of sheer are abrupt , precipitous , and steep . While all these words mean "having an incline approaching the perpendicular," sheer suggests an unbroken perpendicular expanse. // sheer cliffs that daunted the climbers

Q: When would 'abrupt' be a good substitute for 'sheer'?

Although the words abrupt and sheer have much in common, abrupt implies a sharper pitch and a sudden break in the level. // a beach with an abrupt drop-off

Q: When is 'precipitous' a more appropriate choice than 'sheer'?

The meanings of precipitous and sheer largely overlap; however, precipitous applies to an incline approaching the vertical. // the river winds through a precipitous gorge

Q: When is it sensible to use 'steep' instead of 'sheer'?

While in some cases nearly identical to sheer , steep implies such sharpness of pitch that ascent or descent is very difficult. // a steep hill // a steep dive

sheer 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of sheer

as in transparent

very thin and easy to see through we had to get window shades because passersby could see right through our sheer curtains

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in utter

having no exceptions or restrictions survivors of the earthquake told of experiencing sheer terror

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in steep

having an incline approaching the perpendicular the sheer slopes of the ravine

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

sheer

2 of 2

verb

ˈshir

as in to deviate

to change one's course or direction the cruise ship sheered to the northwest, putting it safely out of the path of the hurricane

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to veer

to depart abruptly from a straight line or course the car sheered to avoid hitting the dog

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

straighten

Synonym Chooser

How is the word sheer different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of sheer are abrupt, precipitous, and steep. While all these words mean "having an incline approaching the perpendicular," sheer suggests an unbroken perpendicular expanse.

sheer cliffs that daunted the climbers

When would abrupt be a good substitute for sheer?

Although the words abrupt and sheer have much in common, abrupt implies a sharper pitch and a sudden break in the level.

a beach with an abrupt drop-off

When is precipitous a more appropriate choice than sheer?

The meanings of precipitous and sheer largely overlap; however, precipitous applies to an incline approaching the vertical.

the river winds through a precipitous gorge

When is it sensible to use steep instead of sheer?

While in some cases nearly identical to sheer, steep implies such sharpness of pitch that ascent or descent is very difficult.

a steep hill

a steep dive

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 sheer

Adjective

The sleeveless gown featured a semi-sheer corset bodice with a curtain of lace foliage that cascaded down past the thigh-high slit, forming an elegant silhouette. — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 5 July 2026 Zoë Kravitz was seen heading to the event in one of the few wedding guest looks, opting for a semi sheer frock with intricate floral beading and a pair of little black kitten heels. — Lizzie Logan, Glamour, 4 July 2026

Verb

The storm also sheered off about nearly two-thirds of the plant smokestack that measured 20 feet across and 225 feet high. — Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 3 June 2026 The gel-like, nonsticky formula can be sheered out with fingertips for a soft flush or layered on with a brush for richer color saturation. — Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 10 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for sheer

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sheer

Adjective

Many caftans come in dainty, transparent styles, so coordinate your sheer number with the pieces underneath—whether that's your swimwear or basics from your everyday closet is your choice.

— Katherine J Igoe, InStyle, 2 July 2026
Companies that build responsible, transparent approaches to audience understanding will be better positioned for long-term success.

— Paula Chiocchi, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of transparent

Adjective

Questioning, if not rejecting, established Christian doctrine, Ahab also comes to regard Moby Dick as the outward and visible sign, the physical embodiment of the indifference or, worse, utter malignity inherent in the universe.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 July 2026
But the nation’s summer has been an utter slog, lacking the identity and joy on the pitch that spectators have come to expect.

— Doha Madani, NBC news, 5 July 2026

Definition of utter

Adjective

That marks a steep decline of 74% from the movie's already-poor $37 million debut, a much bigger drop than is typical for a summer superhero film.

— Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 5 July 2026
In the tourney, Zellers had five goals and three assists in five games and made a steep climb up the depth chart.

— Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 5 July 2026

Definition of steep

Verb

Honda's vehicles feature a distinct design language and identity that evolves without deviating from the brand's ethos.

— Charles Singh, USA Today, 2 July 2026
And yet at the start of the Mass, a priest read aloud a statement justifying the consecrations as a necessary defense of the faith and criticizing how the Catholic Church today had deviated from tradition.

— ABC News, ABC News, 1 July 2026

Definition of deviate

Verb

Dark clouds hovered around the stadium just before kickoff, threatening to delay the start of the game, but Mother Nature apparently is a soccer fan, because the storm veered away.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 4 July 2026
One feels exposed, out in the elements, seeking shade from shapes that appear like altars or overlooking winding paths that veer high and low.

— Lara Johnson-Wheeler, Vogue, 3 July 2026

Definition of veer

Adjective

The World Cup visitors being blown away by all that is America is pure entertainment.

— Sean Joseph OutKick, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026
Post-split, one Comcast entity will be a pure-play entertainment content company, with NBCUniversal and Sky assets, while the other company will be a leading broadband, cable and wireless provider.

— Dade Hayes, Deadline, 30 June 2026

Definition of pure

Adjective

The result is a chain of polite, yet simultaneously radical buildings with an exciting contour resembling a mountainous landscape – adding ‘bergen’ in De Bergen!

— Bridget Borgobello July 04, New Atlas, 4 July 2026
Road accidents are common in Pakistan because of poor road conditions, inadequate enforcement of traffic laws and unsafe driving practices, particularly in mountainous areas.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026

Definition of mountainous

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sheepskins

sheer

sheered

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“Sheer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sheer. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of sheer

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verb

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