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

Relevance

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

But the sheer volume of planning in Miami has also raised questions about power and the role Cubans on the island will play in a transition. — Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2026 The sheer volume matters too, Doustdar told CNBC, highlighting that the obesity market can still grow significantly. — Annika Kim Constantino,elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 25 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

To ensure durability in saline conditions, the researchers used butyl rubber and cover glass, topped with a transparent epoxy resin outer protective layer to build a waterproof, pressure-resistant, and corrosion-resistant armor.

— Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 21 Sep. 2026
The researchers linked molecules from a viscous oil and a gas to produce a new variation of this polymer, resulting in a transparent, moldable goo with a consistency similar to Blu Tack.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 21 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

In this environment, a beat and raise might be the bare minimum to avoid a steep post-earnings decline.

— Matthew J. Belvedere,Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2026
Aquilina also explained that Luminate data pointed to binge releases tending to see big spikes in viewership but steep drops, while weekly releases maintain consistent engagement.

— Andrew Wallenstein, Variety, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of steep

Verb

The complication shows the moon phases for both the Northern and Southern hemispheres, with a 135-tooth driving wheel that drastically enhances accuracy, deviating by just one day every 122 years.

— Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 26 Sep. 2026
Her position deviates from her religion as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which publicly opposes the ballot measure.

— Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of deviate

Verb

The vehicle Odom was driving veered into the eastbound lanes and struck another vehicle before crashing head-on into Schupp’s pickup truck.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 24 Sep. 2026
Starting on the first floor, veering just to the left of the elevators is a walk through ancient art history and humanity's relationship with myth and storytelling.

— Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of veer

Adjective

The Rebels jumped out to a commanding 24-7 lead in the first half before the Tigers scored 17 unanswered points to knot things up and set the scene for a fourth quarter that could only be described as pure cinema.

— Mark Harris OutKick, FOXNews.com, 20 Sep. 2026
To see the picture earlier this month was to witness pure, untempered joy.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of pure

Adjective

Both sides deny responsibility for launching this round of hostilities, and most of the fighting is believed to be in remote areas of often ragged, mountainous territory.

— SAMUEL GETACHEW, Arkansas Online, 25 Sep. 2026
Medical supplies and fuel are running short after key supply routes between Mokha and Taiz were largely cut off, forcing convoys onto mountainous roads unsuitable for large trucks.

— Fatma Khaled, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of mountainous

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sheepskins

sheer

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“Sheer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sheer. Accessed 27 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of sheer

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