sheer 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of sheernext
1
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

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2
as in utter
having no exceptions or restrictions survivors of the earthquake told of experiencing sheer terror

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3
as in steep
having an incline approaching the perpendicular the sheer slopes of the ravine

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

sheer

2 of 2

verb

ˈshir How to pronounce sheer (audio)
1
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

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2
as in to veer
to depart abruptly from a straight line or course the car sheered to avoid hitting the dog

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
Like sister-in-law Debra, Amy couldn't win with her future in-laws, sparking a bond between the two over the sheer absurdity of the Barones. —Kate Hogan, PEOPLE, 16 May 2026 As a first-time smart telescope user, I was initially overwhelmed by the sheer number of objects available in the Vaonis' Singularity app — galaxies, nebulas and star clusters all just a tap away. —Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 15 May 2026
Verb
Worth Noting: While the initial application comes off very pigmented and high-shine, this formula can be sheered out, too. —Genevieve Cepeda, InStyle, 17 Jan. 2026 For complexion, Rae applies the Luminous Silk Foundation and the complementing concealer (both in the shade 5.25) and sheers her coverage with a beauty blender. —Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 14 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sheer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sheer
  1. transparent
  2. utter
  3. steep
  4. deviate
  5. veer
  6. translucent
  7. pure
  8. mountainous
Adjective
  • The film is stylized to the point of abstraction; the production budget in glitter, tinfoil, transparent plastics, strobes, smoke machines and red or blue lighting gels must have exceeded everything else.
    — Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 19 May 2026
  • In decades past, researchers have used cruder technology to create transparent eggshells that hatched chicks from plastic films or sacks.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 19 May 2026
Definition of transparent
Adjective
  • The New York Knicks took care of business, to say the least, against the Philadelphia 76ers with another utter demolition on the road in a close-out game.
    — Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 11 May 2026
  • The obituaries, social media posts and GoFundMe pages capture the utter despair of the families, though none of them reckon with the decision not to get the vitamin K shot.
    — Duaa Eldeib, CNN Money, 8 May 2026
Definition of utter
Adjective
  • By 2030, some 100,000 satellites may orbit the planet, with further steep growth expected in the coming decades.
    — Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 18 May 2026
  • The index is back in the green after steep losses at the end of last week.
    — Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 18 May 2026
Definition of steep
Verb
  • Now, Hilton rarely deviates from her signature look, of which long, perfectly curled or waved blonde hair is a key element.
    — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 18 May 2026
  • Those who deviate are eliminated, leaving a trail of blood that deters other would-be challengers.
    — Daniel DePetris, Twin Cities, 15 May 2026
Definition of deviate
Verb
  • Few actors veer so wildly between highbrow and low entertainment.
    — Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 18 May 2026
  • But unlike Austin, which got ahead of itself, Denver appears to have veered off the race course.
    — Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 18 May 2026
Definition of veer
Adjective
  • The rubies were chosen not only for their vivid color but also for their exceptional translucent quality.
    — Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 17 May 2026
  • Make sure the nectar is always translucent.
    — Lauren David, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 May 2026
Definition of translucent
Adjective
  • Recently, marinated, raw tuna cubes sat on top of a creamy hazelnut and bean pure while a fatty pork jowl was balanced by a tart salsa verde and sprigs of purslane.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 May 2026
  • The only risk to consider here is Seattle’s pure dominance at home.
    — Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 16 May 2026
Definition of pure
Adjective
  • The city’s mountainous surroundings are difficult for deliveries, but an Amazon station has helped speed them up.
    — Anne D'Innocenzio, Fortune, 16 May 2026
  • Back then, the tall angled ceilings seemed to soar and the breakfast combos looked mountainous.
    — Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
Definition of mountainous

Browse Nearby Words

sheepskins
sheer
sheered
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Cite this Entry

“Sheer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sheer. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on sheer

Nglish: Translation of sheer for Spanish Speakers

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