1
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
2
as in utter
having no exceptions or restrictions
survivors of the earthquake told of experiencing sheer terror
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in steep
having an incline approaching the perpendicular
the sheer slopes of the ravine
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
2
as in to veer
to depart abruptly from a straight line or course
the car sheered to avoid hitting the dog
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sheer
Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 6 Jan. 2026
Another group of people had come for the sheer spectacle.
—Gisela Salim-Peyer, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2026
Nbc News, NBC news, 15 June 2025
Sole apparent survivor of Air India crash walks away from wreckage
If a plane's tail section sheers off, a seat closer to the front will typically be safer.
—Usa Today Staff, USA Today, 14 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for sheer
Adjective
The black leather boots coordinated with her black underwear, which was visible through the sheer skirt.
—Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 6 Jan. 2026
Another group of people had come for the sheer spectacle.
—Gisela Salim-Peyer, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2026
Verb
The direct hit from an Iranian missile sheered the front off of a ten-story residential building, killing six people and burying several more under mounds of rubble.
—Nbc News, NBC news, 15 June 2025
Sole apparent survivor of Air India crash walks away from wreckage
If a plane's tail section sheers off, a seat closer to the front will typically be safer.
—Usa Today Staff, USA Today, 14 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for sheer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sheer
Adjective
-
Meanwhile, a transparent, independent and untainted investigation is not optional.—
Phil Morris The Minnesota Star Tribune,
Arkansas Online,
10 Jan. 2026
-
If democracies refrain from asking these questions in public, others who are less transparent and less accountable will answer them for us.—
Alexander Görlach,
The Orlando Sentinel,
10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Much will soon be made of the movie’s epic, final-act twist, but despite such swerves, the film maintains its utter ambiguity to the end, giving heart to the lostness that so many across ideological spectrums now feel.—
Patrick Brzeski,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Nov. 2025
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His extraordinary journey from utter isolation to human connection is revealed in the Oscar-contending documentary Ghost Boy, directed by Rodney Ascher (Room 237, A Glitch in the Matrix), winner of the Audience Award at SXSW in the Visions category.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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That’s where the Kate Spade Outlet comes in, offering polished, functional purses at steep discounts.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Jan. 2026
-
The figures, while slightly less than official economists’ estimates, assuaged concerns about a steeper drop in employment.—
Jeff Cox,
CNBC,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The resolution would authorize the state to redraw its congressional district maps in the middle of the 10-year cycle, deviating from the current practice of redistricting only after the federal census every 10 years.—
Center Square,
The Washington Examiner,
8 Jan. 2026
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So don’t expect Bowden to deviate from his roster-building plan now, even though USC might have immediate needs at several spots, such as defensive line, linebacker, the secondary and receiver.—
The Athletic College Football Staff,
New York Times,
5 Jan. 2026
Verb
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After the shots, the SUV veered into two parked cars.—
Robert Salonga,
Mercury News,
9 Jan. 2026
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One senior official who has participated in the calls told us that the intensity and urgency often veer into hectoring.—
Michael Scherer,
The Atlantic,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Notably, the seven-inch vinyl will be pressed on translucent ruby vinyl, a departure from the singer’s signature purple.—
Maya Georgi,
Rolling Stone,
8 Jan. 2026
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Colorful, translucent magnetic blocks in all manner of sizes and shapes make bringing a vision to life easy.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Just the pure joy of motion and music.—
Marcus Thompson II,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
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That verisimilitude functioned as a solvent, lending credibility and urgency to elements of the show that might otherwise register as pure cheese; the medical realism and sentimental flourishes were mutually reinforcing.—
Nicholas Quah,
Vulture,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The event would put Denver in the national spotlight, giving people from across the country a look at the city’s mountainous skyline and revamped downtown.—
Elliott Wenzler,
Denver Post,
4 Jan. 2026
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Superior is a town of around 2,400 located in a mountainous area a little more than 55 miles east of Phoenix.—
Phil Helsel,
NBC news,
3 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sheer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sheer. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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