sheer 1 of 2

Definition of sheernext
1
2
3

sheer

2 of 2

verb

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

2

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 challenge here is to balance our genuine intellectual courage versus the sheer thrill of poking the bear just to provoke a response. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026 Tom Bachik finished the beauty look with a sheer neutral manicure. Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 3 July 2026
Verb
The gel-like, nonsticky formula can be sheered out with fingertips for a soft flush or layered on with a brush for richer color saturation. Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 10 May 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
Adjective
  • Many caftans come in dainty, transparent styles, so coordinate your sheer number with the pieces underneath—whether that's your swimwear or basics from your everyday closet is your choice.
    Katherine J Igoe, InStyle, 2 July 2026
  • Companies that build responsible, transparent approaches to audience understanding will be better positioned for long-term success.
    Paula Chiocchi, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • Others shared in the catharsis, too — some resorting to jokes about the hectic postgame interviews Anthony Edwards and Ball furnished, some resorting to utter confusion.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 25 June 2026
  • The scene around me was one of utter bedlam, with stadium officials even joining in the celebrations.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • Peterson would fulfill steep guard needs for the Jazz.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2026
  • In this kind of unpredictable environment, putting money on the line can lead to either significant gains or steep losses for bettors.
    Camila Grigera Naón, Fortune, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • Honda's vehicles feature a distinct design language and identity that evolves without deviating from the brand's ethos.
    Charles Singh, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • And yet at the start of the Mass, a priest read aloud a statement justifying the consecrations as a necessary defense of the faith and criticizing how the Catholic Church today had deviated from tradition.
    ABC News, ABC News, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • Dark clouds hovered around the stadium just before kickoff, threatening to delay the start of the game, but Mother Nature apparently is a soccer fan, because the storm veered away.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 4 July 2026
  • One feels exposed, out in the elements, seeking shade from shapes that appear like altars or overlooking winding paths that veer high and low.
    Lara Johnson-Wheeler, Vogue, 3 July 2026
Adjective
  • Summer’s sweetest nail trend is ripe with berry colors and translucent jelly finishes.
    Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 29 June 2026
  • The meat is cut on a Berkel slicer to near-translucent thinness, bringing out the sweetness of the fat.
    Staff Author, Travel + Leisure, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • The World Cup visitors being blown away by all that is America is pure entertainment.
    Sean Joseph OutKick, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026
  • Post-split, one Comcast entity will be a pure-play entertainment content company, with NBCUniversal and Sky assets, while the other company will be a leading broadband, cable and wireless provider.
    Dade Hayes, Deadline, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • This tiny, mountainous country, north of Greece and south of Montenegro, is a haven for outdoorsy types thanks to epic hiking trails through the Albanian Alps.
    Sarah Sekula, USA Today, 26 June 2026
  • Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest is one of Georgia's most lush and verdant gems that stretches for 867,000 mountainous and wooded acres.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 25 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sheer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sheer. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on sheer

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster