sheer
12 synonyms and 1 antonym for sheer, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Thin enough to see through.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use sheer
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
sheer curtains
sheer luck
sheer drop
sheer determination
Etymology
From Old English sċǣre, "pure, clear, shining" — related to an old word family meaning "bright" rather than to "shear."
Full origin of sheer →Frequently asked questions
What does “sheer” mean?
The word “sheer” means thin enough to see through. In plain terms, either see-through and delicate (fabric), or used to mean "total, complete" for emphasis, or describing a very steep drop.
How do you pronounce “sheer”?
“Sheer” is pronounced sheer (/ʃɪɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “sheer” in a sentence?
Here is “sheer” used in a sentence: “She wore a sheer scarf over her shoulders.”
What is another word for “sheer”?
Words with a similar meaning to “sheer” include diaphanous, filmy, gauzy, gossamer and see-through.
What is the opposite of “sheer”?
The opposite of “sheer” — its antonyms — is opaque.
What part of speech is “sheer”?
“Sheer” is an adjective.
Where does the word “sheer” come from?
The word “sheer” comes from Old English. From Old English sċǣre, "pure, clear, shining" — related to an old word family meaning "bright" rather than to "shear.".
Is “sheer” a common word?
“Sheer” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between sheer and shear?
They are homophones with different jobs. Sheer is usually an adjective meaning see-through ("sheer curtains"), complete ("sheer luck"), or very steep ("a sheer cliff"). Shear is a verb meaning to cut or clip, as in shearing sheep, and the cutting tool is a pair of shears.
