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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
While much of Musk’s wealth is tied up in company valuations rather than cash, the sheer scale of his fortune still affords extraordinary flexibility. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 6 Feb. 2026 Even the two great singers and pianist Lang Lang would have had a hard time matching the sheer star power of Charlize Theron quoting her fellow South African Nelson Mandela on the power of peace in the middle of the giant stadium. —Dominic Patten, Deadline, 6 Feb. 2026
Verb
The serum itself is a gold-yellow shade that looks almost tinted at first, but sheers out once applied. —Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 18 Sep. 2025 The direct hit from an Iranian missile sheered the front off of a ten-story residential building, killing six people and burying several more under mounds of rubble. —Nbc News, NBC news, 15 June 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
  • In one of the experiments, the researchers would set two empty, transparent cups on a table between them.
    — Nathan Rott, NPR, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Orders for silver, gold and other precious metals are typically locked in at a transparent price, shipments are insured for their full value and tracking is standard.
    — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of transparent
Adjective
  • Other than Arturs Silovs, who was sensational between the pipes, and a spirited performance from rookie Ben Kindel, the Penguins produced an utter no-show against a surging Ottawa team.
    — Josh Yohe, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
  • The content suggests yet another another instance of ICE's utter depravity.
    — JT Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 30 Jan. 2026
Definition of utter
Adjective
  • For the first time since the Federal Reserve began its aggressive rate hikes years ago, the share of homeowners paying steep mortgage rates above 6% now exceeds the elite class of borrowers holding on to rock-bottom rates below 3%.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Set the scene Somewhere between Monaco and Cannes, up the steep streets of Nice’s intricate Old Town, a large garden with poppies is accessed through a cool courtyard, shaded by orange trees.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of steep
Verb
  • There remains hesitation from many to deviate from norms by investing in personal security, but boardrooms are increasingly intervening and pressuring CEOs to do so, Krummrich said.
    — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 8 Feb. 2026
  • Over the past few years, San Jose has deviated from the Housing First model by investing more money into interim housing options as an alternative to living on the streets.
    — Devan Patel, Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of deviate
Verb
  • Police vans behind a temporary metal fence secured the road to the athletes’ village, but the protesters veered away, continuing their apparent route toward the Santagiulia venue.
    — Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 8 Feb. 2026
  • She's especially drawn to cool gray tones at the moment, which can make for a nice compromise for anyone who's looking to veer away from white yet isn't quite sold on deep black.
    — Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 8 Feb. 2026
Definition of veer
Adjective
  • When the oil begins to ripple, add the onion and garlic, season with salt and pepper, and cook until translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes.
    — Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Continue to toss and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until cabbage is softened and slightly translucent.
    — Gretchen McKay, Twin Cities, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of translucent
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, in a large bowl, mix together heavy cream, plain yogurt, pure vanilla extract, and the seeds from a vanilla bean.
    — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Feb. 2026
  • Silk For an array of colorful silk pajamas, check out the options for this pure silk pajama set.
    — John Monaco, InStyle, 7 Feb. 2026
Definition of pure
Adjective
  • The mountainous region is one of various points in the state where a turf war has played out for more than a year between two rival factions of the Sinaloa cartel.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Feb. 2026
  • There’s also a strong element of regionality down at the spa; during its 2009 renovation, local artisans were brought in to design spaces rendered in Swiss pine and silver from San Bernadino, a mountainous village in the canton of Grisons.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Feb. 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 14 Feb. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of sheer for Spanish Speakers

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