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sheer

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verb

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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

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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
Take your pick of six creamy shades ranging from rich brown to super sheer—all will give your lips a high gloss shine. Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 27 Apr. 2025 Horsetail Falls Further up the gorge, Horsetail Falls spills 176 feet down a sheer rock face. Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 27 Apr. 2025
Verb
Decades of despair to sheer delight for Commanders fans: The Washington Commanders will be playing in the NFC championship game next Sunday, one game away from the Super Bowl. Jim Reineking, USA TODAY, 20 Jan. 2025 John Fabiano was documenting the working dogs of the country and visited a wool farm during sheering season. Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for sheer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sheer
Adjective
  • Plus, Rogen has been transparent about whom this character is based on.
    Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Instead, have a transparent conversation about integrating with core solutions, flexibility and customization, and your roadmap for practical, pragmatic adoption of AI.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Talk about the low of the low, what utter scumbags.
    Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
  • But sometimes, such as in crosswalks during peak commuting times, that order turns to utter chaos.
    Gayoung Lee, Scientific American, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This gorgeous option has distressed floral medallions that look lived-in for vintage charm, all without a steep price point.
    Clara McMahon, People.com, 21 Apr. 2025
  • But Trump’s steep tariffs on Canada, and threats to its sovereignty, dramatically transformed the race.
    Hira Humayun, CNN Money, 20 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Related Articles While not completely deviating from his wartime attire, Zelensky partially adhered to the Vatican’s dress code for the somber occasion.
    Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 27 Apr. 2025
  • That exemplified her approach, even if her first cookbook sometimes deviated from that mission.
    Danielle Dorsey, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Authorities believe Souza was traveling on the highway when the truck veered and landed in the river, Fox2 reported.
    Julia Gomez, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Several looks veered away from tradition and were not a typical bridal white.
    Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The fully autonomous spacecraft offers the most panoramic views of any vehicle of its kind with one-third of the surface area being translucent.
    Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The lobster tails should be translucent when removed from the shells.
    Fox News Staff, FOXNews.com, 12 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Booker seems like the top pure guard in this year's draft class, making his overall positional value lower.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Kiper calls him the best pure guard in the draft, a road-grader in the run game.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The princess grew up going on family vacations to the mountainous region, so the trip was a return for her.
    Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 15 Apr. 2025
  • In this new evolution phase focused on climate resilience, the city has begun installing sensors in surrounding rural and mountainous areas for early detection of wildfires.
    Angelica Mari, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sheer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sheer. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

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