sheer
[adjective]
Synonyms:
- total, absolute, complete, downright, out-and-out, pure, unmitigated, utter
- steep, abrupt, precipitous
- fine, diaphanous, gauzy, gossamer, see-through, thin, transparent

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Related Words: airy, chiffon, thin, see-through, arrant, bald-faced, complete, outright

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

I. sheer¹ /ʃɪə $ ʃɪr/ adjective
[Date: 1500-1600; Origin: Probably from Old Norse skærr 'pure']

1. the sheer weight/size etc used to emphasize that something is very heavy, large etc
the sheer weight/size etc of
The sheer size of the country makes communications difficult.

2. sheer luck/happiness/stupidity etc luck, happiness etc with no other feeling or quality mixed with it Synonym : pure:
I’ll never forget the look of sheer joy on her face.
sheer hypocrisy

3. a sheer drop, cliff, slope etc is very steep and almost vertical

4. sheer nylon, silk etc is very thin and fine, so that it is almost transparent:
sheer stockings

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

II. sheer² adverb
straight up or down in an almost vertical line Synonym : steeply:
cliffs which rose sheer from the sea

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

III. sheer³ verb [intransitive always + adverb/preposition]
to change direction suddenly, especially in order to avoid something Synonym : swerve
sheer off/away
The boat sheered away and headed out to sea.

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲