Synonyms of sheer

sheer 1 of 2

adjective

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

• transparent
• translucent
• diaphanous
• gauzy
• gossamer
• filmy
• see-through
• crystal
• fragile
• cobwebby
• clear
• delicate
• gauzelike
• liquid
• gossamery
• crystalline
• limpid
• flimsy
• lucent
• pellucid
• peekaboo
• lucid
• insubstantial
• unsubstantial
• dainty
• frail
• colorless
• uncolored

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• opaque
• nebulous
• smoky
• hazy
• misty
• murky
• cloudy
• foggy
• dull
• drab
• lackluster
• lusterless

2

as in utter

having no exceptions or restrictions

survivors of the earthquake told of experiencing sheer terror

Synonyms & Similar Words

• utter
• pure
• absolute
• total
• unconditional
• complete
• simple
• definite
• outright
• damn
• very
• perfect
• real
• damned
• endless
• profound
• unmitigated
• unadulterated
• deadly
• huge
• stark
• constant
• downright
• dreadful
• categorical
• thorough
• thoroughgoing
• regular
• crashing
• consummate
• genuine
• perpetual
• fair
• unqualified
• blank
• out-and-out
• extreme
• unalloyed
• flat-out
• plumb
• all-out
• eternal
• straight-out
• horrible
• terrible
• rank
• arrant
• clean
• bodacious
• blooming
• dead
• flat
• stone
• unremitting
• veritable
• supreme
• extraordinary
• undying
• classic
• authentic
• unrestricted
• hopeless
• main
• terrific
• habitual
• superlative
• confirmed
• inveterate
• frightful
• surpassing

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• uncertain
• doubtful
• questionable
• restricted
• dubious
• qualified
• equivocal

3

as in steep

having an incline approaching the perpendicular

the sheer slopes of the ravine

Synonyms & Similar Words

• steep
• mountainous
• vertical
• precipitous
• abrupt
• sloped
• bold
• perpendicular
• craggy
• plumb
• tilted
• scarped
• hilly
• angled
• straight
• tipped
• slanted
• heeled
• hillocky
• cocked
• listed
• inclined
• canted

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• easy
• soft
• moderate
• gradual
• gentle
• level
• smooth
• horizontal
• flat
• even
• flush
• unruffled
• plane
• unwrinkled

sheer

2 of 2

verb

ˈshir 

1

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

• deviate
• turn
• swing
• turn off
• veer
• wheel
• diverge
• detour
• swerve
• tack
• double (back)
• turn back
• zigzag

2

as in to veer

to depart abruptly from a straight line or course

the car sheered to avoid hitting the dog

Synonyms & Similar Words

• veer
• curve
• cut
• bow
• circle
• turn
• swerve
• zig
• arch
• zag
• sweep
• break
• skew
• yaw
• weave
• wander
• twist
• curl
• slew
• bend
• round
• arc
• wind
• spiral
• wheel
• pivot
• hook
• loop
• zigzag
• crook
• stray
• coil
• waver
• deviate
• about-face

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

Recent Examples of sheer

Adjective

Available in three light diffusing options—sheer, privacy, and blackout—these shades are an instant way to add depth to a space in need of character. —Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 13 Feb. 2026

The skin-tight sheer dress was styled with dangling earrings, a diamond bracelet and a chic updo. —Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 12 Feb. 2026

Verb

The serum itself is a gold-yellow shade that looks almost tinted at first, but sheers out once applied. —Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 18 Sep. 2025

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