Sheer
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /ʃɪə̯/ · Part of speech adjective
Quick meaning: Sheer is an adjective meaning (textiles) Very thin or transparent.
Meaning
(textiles) Very thin or transparent.
More Meanings
- (by extension) Downright; complete; pure.
- Used to emphasize the amount or degree of something.
- Very steep; almost vertical or perpendicular.
- A sheer curtain or fabric.
- (nautical) The curve of the main deck or gunwale from bow to stern.
- (obsolete) Pure in composition; unmixed; unadulterated.
- (archaic) Clean; completely; at once.
Example Sentences
This poem is sheer nonsense.
I think it is sheer genius to invent such a thing.
Her light, sheer dress caught everyone’s attention.
She was cunningly dressed in a black, sheer gown with gold ornaments showing her figure to perfection.
Word Forms
- sheerer
- sheerest
- sheers
- sheering
- sheered
Synonyms for sheer
Depending on context, synonyms include diaphanous, filmy, gauzy, gossamer, see-through, thin.
Antonyms for sheer
Common opposites include opaque.
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include gauzy, filmy, cut, curve, slue, vaporous.
Related Dictionary Tools
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.