steep, abrupt, precipitous, sheer mean having an incline approaching the perpendicular. steep implies such sharpness of pitch that ascent or descent is very difficult.

sheer adjective (THIN) Sheer clothing or material is so thin, light, and delicate that you can see through it: sheer nylon tights

3 days ago · Perhaps as startling as the sheer toll was the devastation to some of the state’s well-known locales. Boardwalks along the beach in Seaside Heights, Belmar and other towns on the Jersey …

Collocations: sheer [size, strength, expanse, number, weight, amount, force], [amazed, surprised, overwhelmed] by the sheer [size] of it, that was sheer stupidity!, more...

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.

5 days ago · Sheer Style Was Trending on the 2026 Golden Globes Red Carpet: Jennifer Lawrence, Jennifer Lopez and More Designs by Givenchy and Jean-Louis Scherrer, among others, featured …

Though shear and sheer sound the same, their meanings diverge significantly. Shear refers to cutting or force-induced displacement within materials, whereas sheer signifies extremity or purity in terms of …

Discover the meaning of 'sheer', explore its usage in everyday language, popular idioms, and fun facts that make this word fascinating. Perfect for learners and curious minds!

There are 20 meanings listed in OED's entry for the word sheer, seven of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

SHEER definition: transparently thin; diaphanous, as some fabrics. See examples of sheer used in a sentence.