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

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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

Nepal is a country of jagged, towering peaks with sheer slopes sweeping down to narrow valleys, cut through by powerful rivers. — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026 Layer on the sheer volume of content brands now produce across channels – from creators, agencies, partners and internal teams – and individual pieces may receive even less time and attention. — Sonia Thompson, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 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

Wonder also has a transparent compensation system so employees can see what others at the company make.

— Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026
Moreover, perovskites are lightweight and can be engineered to be semi-transparent, enabling Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV).

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of transparent

Adjective

This Ninth — featuring the Los Angeles Master Chorale and four superb vocal soloists (Saioa Hernández, Tamara Mumford, David Portillo and Ryan Speedo Green) — became Beethoven, alive in the moment, an instrument of utter joy.

— Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Sweet, aromatic, and bubblegum pink, this playful cocktail is the utter definition of fun.

— Bradleigh Mobley, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of utter

Verb

Founded in 1994 by French editorial makeup artist and photographer François Nars, the brand arrived at a time when complexion was matte, blush was softly diffused, lips veered vampy or neutral, and eyes were super smokey.

— Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026
The riders veered off the road and through an opening in the fencing surrounding a parking lot near BMO Stadium.

— Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of veer

Adjective

If you're really set on maximizing your commitment to the classic Xbox design aesthetic, earlier this week, Microsoft started taking preorders for the limited edition of its translucent and green Xbox Series X, the Xbox Series X25 Limited Edition.

— Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 29 Aug. 2026
With nine shades available—from translucent to shimmery to vibrant red—there’s truly something for everyone.

— Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of translucent

Adjective

Under partial sunshine, Pakistan finished England's second innings at 208 before noon but the host had a mountainous lead of 388 runs.

— ABC News, ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026
More than 500 foreigners from 32 countries are among those still unaccounted for in the rugged mountainous region, which is popular with pilgrims and trekkers.

— Josh Feldman, NBC news, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of mountainous

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“Sheer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sheer. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of sheer

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verb

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