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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
In terms of their sheer catalog, De'longhi runs a close second to Breville in the home espresso space. Noah Kaufman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 7 Oct. 2025 When the curtains play with texture and weight—like how these rich velvet drapes would pair with a sheer, chiffon-like layer underneath—that’s when your space will start to look more complex and compelling. Shoko Wanger, Architectural Digest, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
Minutes after clearing the dock, the vessel's three 147-foot (44.8-meter) masts were sheered by the underside of the bridge, Reuters reported, knocking several naval cadets off its crossbeams. Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 May 2025 Its thin, almost-watery texture delivers an exceptional burst of color, that despite its weight, does not sheer out when blended. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 18 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sheer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sheer
Adjective
  • Tensions are brewing between Grapevine officials and the Grapevine-Colleyville school district over possible campus closures and whether the district is being transparent about its financial picture.
    Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Oct. 2025
  • My mission since then has been to inform, engage and empower voters to bring more accountable, transparent, responsive, efficient and effective government.
    Miami Herald Staff, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Ray is the leader of a biker gang and demands utter subservience.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Outside, the scene among the sea of red was one of utter devastation.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The Falcons sacked McCarthy six times on the way to a 22-6 win, but playing against Allen will present a much steeper challenge.
    Josh Kendall, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Want access to even steeper discounts?
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Observers say Trump is unlikely to deviate from this trend, but that military commanders can never be sure what approach a new administration will take in the future.
    Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Its music is both jazzier and more operatic; the flow and technical blueprint of each stage completely deviate from what’s been seen before.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 27 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • As the gold truck veered right, the driver of the Kia Cadenza saw the approaching green charger.
    Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Within about two minutes, the remaining five of the vehicle's six Raptor engines also subsequently shut down, causing the vehicle to veer out of control.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • All of the shoe’s other signature details remain intact including a vibrant yellow suede upper, icy translucent outsole, reflective tongue detailing and custom heel embroidery.
    Riley Jones, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Their fins and whisker-like barbels are translucent.
    Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • But Russell’s performance was a beam of pure light, burning off any condescension.
    Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2025
  • And while the Picoult engages a tougher subject (a school shooting and its fallout), the other three titles in this crop are pure romantasy.
    Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This mountainous region of the Hudson Valley is no more than three hours from Manhattan with quite the idyllic reputation, and for good reason.
    Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The terrain was steep and mountainous, the forests were thick, and threats from buffalo and leopards lurked in the wilderness.
    Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 1 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sheer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sheer. Accessed 12 Oct. 2025.

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