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 next

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

Relevance

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

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of sheer

Adjective

The most obvious scenario for fully open buds is keeping naturally aware in precarious environments while walking, jogging, and especially bike riding, where wind sheer easily blows out the microphones in regular buds. —

Ryan Waniata, WIRED, 9 Dec. 2024 Zaillian, hewing to Patricia Highsmith’s novel, emphasized the sheer labor—often tedious, sometimes comical—involved in covering up a life of homicide and fraud. —

Michael Schulman, The New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2024

Verb

For example, using the wrong screw bit when twisting the screw can sheer off some of the grooves. —

Terry Baddoo, USA TODAY, 30 Apr. 2024 But a few dots (placed right along my cheekbones) sheered out to a pretty, dewy flush of color—and there was no sticky feel. —

Paige Stables, Allure, 20 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for sheer

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sheer

Adjective

Use transparent metrics, public reporting, and stakeholder engagement to ensure your company’s AI aligns with ethical standards and human rights ideals.

Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
Sony’s plan to build an entire franchise out of standalone films about Peter Parker’s nemeses always read as a transparent attempt at riding Marvel Studios’ coattails post-Spider-Man: Homecoming.

Charles Pulliam-Moore, The Verge, 13 Dec. 2024