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

The movement of the crowd has been brought to a near standstill at points by the sheer quantity of people. — Soph Warnes, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2026 The most noticeable feature of the house today is the sheer number of books that cover almost every visible surface. — Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 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

Its transparent appearance could also help researchers observe how fuel moves and burns.

— Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2026
All of which suggest that long-term competitive advantage will rely on building agile, transparent and technology-backed supply networks.

— Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of transparent

Adjective

An underappreciated and entirely pleasing aspect of the Republicans’ demolishment on Tuesday was the utter failure of their attempt to preserve a GOP House majority through outlandish gerrymandering.

— Robert Gebelhoff, Washington Post, 6 Nov. 2026
The film became such a cultural phenomenon that its title is now practically synonymous with parties that descend into utter chaos.

— Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of utter

Adjective

Chipmaking hubs Taiwan and South Korea saw steep declines, the former suffering record losses and the latter halting trading after an 8% wipeout.

— semafor.com, semafor.com, 6 Nov. 2026
The Public’s LuEsther Theater isn’t helping, with its steep raked seating so clearly set off from the deep rectangle of the stage.

— Sara Holdren, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of steep

Verb

These records deviated from Deerhunter’s shoegaze and krautrock leanings, placing a greater emphasis on sampling and wall-of-sound pop.

— Walden Green, Pitchfork, 30 Oct. 2026
But in Central Asia, far from the empire’s center, local artists sometimes used the mosaics to deviate from the official agenda.

— Yulia Denisyuk, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of deviate

Verb

One tier down from Dithaba (both fiscally and geographically), Kapano is a few minutes’ walk down a dusty hill and follows a similar format, with four generous-sized rooms veering off the communal pool, bar, and alfresco deck dining area.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Nov. 2026
The bird flushed straight toward the cab of a grain truck and veered out of range.

— Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of veer

Adjective

Visual refinements to the translucent Liquid Glass interface improve the overall design, with a cleaner look and sharper border contrast.

— Brian Westover, PC Magazine, 5 Nov. 2026
Scibelli suggests starting with lips free of other products and dusting on a light layer of translucent powder before lip liner and lipstick, according to Allure.

— Ashley Lynch, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of translucent

Adjective

Isolated gusts in mountainous areas of Ventura and Los Angeles counties could reach up to 55 mph.

— Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
There’s nothing mountainous in the region, and the idea of monumental sculptures coming up out of the landscape is pretty obvious.

— Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of mountainous

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sheepskins

sheer

sheered

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“Sheer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sheer. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of sheer

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verb

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