Thesaurus

sheer

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

adjective

Save Word

Synonyms & Antonyms of sheer

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 very thin and easy to see through

we had to get window shades because passersby could see right through our sheer curtains

Synonyms for sheer

Words Related to sheer

peekaboo

lucid,
translucent

Near Antonyms for sheer

opaque

2 having no exceptions or restrictions

survivors of the earthquake told of experiencing sheer terror

Synonyms for sheer

Words Related to sheer

Near Antonyms for sheer

3 having an incline approaching the perpendicular

the sheer slopes of the ravine

Synonyms for sheer

Words Related to sheer

Near Antonyms for sheer

Antonyms for sheer

easy

sheer

verb

Synonyms & Antonyms of sheer (Entry 2 of 2)

1 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 for sheer

Words Related to sheer

tack,
zigzag

2 to depart abruptly from a straight line or course

the car sheered to avoid hitting the dog

Synonyms for sheer

break,
cut,
swerve,
veer,
yaw,
zag,
zig

Words Related to sheer

skew,
slew
(also slue)

about-face,
pivot

weave,
zigzag

Antonyms for sheer

straighten

Frequently Asked Questions About sheer

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