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

Mercury opposes Saturn, stirring old worries, unfinished thoughts, or questions that are difficult to solve through sheer concentration. — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 18 Sep. 2026 There are about 100 opaque, sheer, and special-effect shades (like pearlescent and metallic) to choose from, including pinks from sheer to neon, mauves, cherry red, and fun colors (navy, emerald, lavender) based on Olive & June’s best sellers. — Elizabeth Siegel, Allure, 17 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

Unlike a polished piece of metal which is reflective and the same material from every direction, a second surface mirror is an assemblage, has a transparent layer, a reflective layer, and an opaque layer.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2026
Is this organization, much of whose funding is not transparent and comes from member states in the Persian Gulf, designed to make peace, or make money?

— Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of transparent

Adjective

There’s a wonderful fraction of a second when the Villa fans in the Holte End have to adjust from impending despair to utter joy.

— Amitai Winehouse, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
Fall in Europe brings with it brisk temperatures that make sightseeing an utter joy, thinner crowds that leave room for locals, and an opportunity to experience cities in their most authentic light.

— Jessica Sulima, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of utter

Adjective

Venture through the steep, winding lanes lined with high-end boutiques and restaurants while taking in panoramic views of the sparkling blue Mediterranean Sea below.

— Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Sep. 2026
Stirring regularly, bring the milk to a boil over medium heat, then turn off and let steep until the rice is ready.

— ABC News, ABC News, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of steep

Verb

In its statement, the BOJ said the move was because of a risk that inflation will deviate upward to beyond its 2% target.

— Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 18 Sep. 2026
But just like in the series’ preceding season, The Ed Gein Story, this one deviates from its titular character to pad itself out.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of deviate

Verb

But ultimately Baumbach signed his deal under former Netflix film chief Scott Stuber, and current chief Dan Lin has veered toward more populist projects.

— Brian Welk, IndieWire, 17 Sep. 2026
But that drop in intensity quickly veered into carelessness, with the defence failing to assert its composure amid loose passes and hapless communication mix-ups.

— Chris McKenna, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of veer

Adjective

Season lightly with salt and sprinkle in the remaining tebil, then reduce the heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are tender, translucent, and just beginning to take on color, about 12 minutes.

— ABC News, ABC News, 18 Sep. 2026
Cook, stirring often, until onions are translucent and golden around the edges, 8–10 minutes.

— Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of translucent

Adjective

Swift was born into the Anglo-Irish Protestant elite, and the text satires both the callousness of his class and a then-ascendant approach to morality and politics that held that all aspects of life could be cooked down to a pure numerical value.

— Dónal Gill, The Dial, 8 Sep. 2026
Instead, Bier recognizes the pure joy of seeing these women drinking margaritas again, resulting in a vivid and sweet celebration that gradually reframes aging as a process of gaining power rather than losing it.

— Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of pure

Adjective

Zagori, in the mountainous Epirus region of northwestern Greece, deserves several days on foot.

— Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Sep. 2026
It was found in Bolivia’s lush Yungas forest, a mountainous region where forests are often covered by clouds and surrounded by high humidity, according to researchers.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of mountainous

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sheepskins

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“Sheer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sheer. Accessed 21 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of sheer

adjective

verb

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