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sheer

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verb

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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

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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
Successful hospitality brands now focus on authentic connections and engaged audiences rather than sheer follower counts. Emily Reynolds Bergh, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025 Wolf Blitzer appears with a CNN breaking news update of sheer panic in the trailer (below): The country has been hit with widespread technology outages, computers have been highjacked and there are significant casualties. Jackie Strause, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Jan. 2025
Verb
Pick from warm-weather staples like tank tops to sheer short-sleeve tops. Victoria Montalti, refinery29.com, 16 July 2024 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 See all Example Sentences for sheer 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sheer
Adjective
  • The conversation around money is undergoing a radical transformation, with many now demanding more transparent discussions about finances, recognizing that economic wellness is intrinsically linked to mental and physical health.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 24 Jan. 2025
  • This combination of financial advantages and a transparent, investor-friendly system makes the UAE’s Golden Visa program particularly attractive.
    Arash Jalili, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The first wave of generative AI tools has felt like utter magic.
    Peter Guagenti, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
  • The proof lies in your utter disregard for the law.
    Cody Copeland and, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • This pick is also available in four other colors and a variety of smaller and larger sizes, but the oatmeal hue offers the steepest discount.
    Maggie Horton, People.com, 27 Jan. 2025
  • Those steep canyons were too treacherous to hike into—a broken ankle would require an air evacuation—so the crew’s assignment was to create a mile-long containment line in the peaks west of Mount Wilson Observatory.
    M. R. O’Connor, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Trump’s decision to deviate from that formula and provide reprieve for even the most violent Jan. 6 protesters has put congressional Republicans in an uncomfortable spot.
    Mike Lillis, The Hill, 21 Jan. 2025
  • By 2019, the fluctuations had deviated so far from the prior model that scientists updated the WMM a year early.
    Mindy Weisberger, CNN, 21 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • But the edge in talent on offense that the Buckeyes enjoy will take a toll, as long as Ohio State doesn’t lose focus — which has happened — and veer away from looking to its playmakers in the moments that matter.
    The Athletic College Football Staff, The Athletic, 20 Jan. 2025
  • The county fire department handles a variety of emergencies: hoisting drivers to safety when cars veer off canyon embankments or ferrying the injured and the critically ill to hospitals.
    Thomas Fuller, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • For more than 20 years scientists at California’s Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) have occasionally encountered this five-inch translucent creature with a bizarre medley of traits.
    Jude Coleman, Scientific American, 23 Jan. 2025
  • The apartment also takes advantage of a row of three sloping windows and a translucent pocket door to the bedroom to create a space that is filled with light.
    Nicolas Milon, Architectural Digest, 21 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Our second most-clicked cleaning story of the year focuses on restoring silver jewelry, and the difference between sterling silver and pure silver.
    Katelyn Squiers, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Jan. 2025
  • This design was first launched in yellow gold with a silver dial, and this configuration remains the purest expression of the asymmetrical concept.
    Blake Buettner, Robb Report, 24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Some Puerto Ricans live in rural, mountainous areas or off-coast islands without acute care access, according to Peña.
    John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Celebrations will take place on Thursday in other parts of the country stretching from the eastern coastal city of Pattaya to the mountainous northern city of Chiang Mai.
    Kocha Olarn, CNN, 22 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near sheer

Cite this Entry

“Sheer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sheer. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sheer

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