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

Below, the liquid blushes that make the case, from sheer to saturated. — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026 The star wore a black-and-white polka dot minidress by La Roxx, sheer tights, black pumps and black sunglasses, giving photographers a good look at her engagement ring by holding her hand up to show off her large oval diamond. — Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 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 Throughout, academic precision gives way to sheer delight over these animals, and their song and flight. — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for sheer

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sheer

Adjective

In the funding requests, law enforcement agencies were transparent about their intent for the license plate readers.

— Ana Goñi-Lessan, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2026
Because of perverse incentives, a system intended to make information about the present and knowledge about the future more transparent has made the world more opaque and volatile.

— Finn Brunton, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of transparent

Adjective

This Ninth — featuring the Los Angeles Master Chorale and four superb vocal soloists (Saioa Hernández, Tamara Mumford, David Portillo and Ryan Speedo Green) — became Beethoven, alive in the moment, an instrument of utter joy.

— Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Sweet, aromatic, and bubblegum pink, this playful cocktail is the utter definition of fun.

— Bradleigh Mobley, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of utter

Adjective

For people feeling strapped by steep costs, the 60/30/10 budget can offer a more forgiving framework to follow.

— Becca Stanek, TheWeek, 7 Sep. 2026
Putin, for his part, did not publicly signal any movement from his previous steep demands, which seek major concessions from Ukraine.

— Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of steep

Verb

As if to signal this iteration hasn’t completely deviated from its roots, in the show’s opening moments, Deborah Wayne coolly flicks the iconic flip-up frames made famous by Hardison’s Dwayne.

— Senior Television, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
Congressional approval should be required for significant discretionary expenditures or those that deviate from congressional appropriations.

— Debra Houry, STAT, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of deviate

Verb

When Fyodor drags himself on the floor, begging for forgiveness or a bit more money to play roulette, the gesture straddles the line between humor and intense discomfort — veering into cringe comedy.

— Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026
Chad Powers season 2 Season one, which spun an Eli Manning gimmick video into a sports comedy with Glen Powell as a disgraced college-football star, started to veer in a fascinating, somewhat depraved direction.

— Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of veer

Adjective

Participants will apply traditional Japanese colors to ultra-thin, nearly translucent silk, painting not only from the front but also experimenting with urazaishiki, or reverse-side coloring, as well as delicate gradation techniques.

— The Editors of ARTnews, ARTnews.com, 31 Aug. 2026
The Year of Perfect Skin, for instance, was more than an example of self-centeredness, more than an effort to turn my face translucent, luminous as a moonstone set in silver prongs.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of translucent

Adjective

Sanft argued his client’s account was pure fiction, and that investigators failed to quickly and vigorously corroborate it for a reason.

— Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 1 Sep. 2026
These sneakers also come in a wide variety of colors and trims if pure white isn’t your thing.

— Rebecca Shinners, Travel + Leisure, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of pure

Browse Nearby Words

sheepskins

sheer

sheered

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Style

“Sheer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sheer. Accessed 8 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of sheer

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verb

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